EMPCRET
H E BU
CA SBU
CO ND S
CO RD ELA
DI RPU OVA RIO
ES Z
TA
H TABLE OF CONTENTS
E What is a Hempcrete?
M Benefits and Application of the Materials
Current Regulations Limiting Hempcrete Use
P Adoption Challenges
C Commercial Restrictions
Conclusion on Regulations
R Advantages and Disadvantages of the Materials
Instances Utilizing the Specifies Materials
E Conclusion
Successful Case Studies of Hempcrete in Residential
T Projects
Conclusion on Hempcrete Case Studies
E
WHAT IS A
HEMPCRETE?
WHAT IS A HEMPCRETE?
1
Hempcrete is a biocomposite building material
primarily made from the woody core of the hemp
plant (hemp hurds) mixed with a lime binder and
water.
Unlike traditional concrete, hempcrete is non-
load-bearing and used mainly as insulation, infill
walls, and finishing plasters.
Its growing popularity stems from its eco-
friendliness and low carbon footprint, positioning
it as a sustainable alternative to conventional
construction materials.
Strong, Lightweight,
Flame, Water, and and Breathable
Pest Resistant Energy Efficient
Incredible
Insulation
Flame, Water, and
Naturally
Pest Resistant
Lasts 100's Non-Toxic
of Years
BENEFITS OF THE
MATERIALS
It is pollutant-free, has a high thermal resistance,
and good acoustic dampening properties. It is
completely safe to install and manufacture, offers
outstanding fire protection, and contains no
chemical additives.
It is a sustainable material, absorbing more CO2
during its lifespan than is emitted during its
processing. Its lightweight nature makes it easier to
transport and handle, contributing to lower
embodied energy for construction projects. These
properties also contribute to better air quality by
regulating humidity levels within buildings.
APPLICATION OF THE
MATERIALS
It is primarily utilized as an insulating material for
non-load-bearing walls, roofs, and as an infill
between structural frames.
Its versatility allows it to be employed in new builds
as well as renovations, providing a sustainable
option for maintaining or updating existing
structures.
Recent explorations include its potential for use in
3D printing technologies and spray insulation,
indicating its adaptability to modern building
practices.
CONCLUSION
Hempcrete is increasingly recognized as a
sustainable building material; however, its use in
construction is subject to specific regulations and
building codes that may limit its adoption in
various jurisdictions across the United States.
Hempcrete has been approved as an appendix in
the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC),
which governs residential building codes for 49 out
of 50 states. However, this approval does not
guarantee that hempcrete can be used in every
location, as it must be adopted by state or local
jurisdictions to become enforceable. Adoption
Challenges
CURRENT REGULATIONS LIMITING
HEMPCRETE USE
Hempcrete has been approved as an appendix in the 2024 International
Residential Code (IRC), which governs residential building codes for 49 out of 50
states. However, this approval does not guarantee that hempcrete can be used in
every location, as it must be adopted by state or local jurisdictions to become
enforceable.
ADOPTION CHALLENGES
Many states are currently in the midst of a 3-year cycle for adopting the 2024 IRC,
which means that some may choose not to adopt this appendix related to
hempcrete. Without state or local adoption, hempcrete cannot be utilized officially
in those areas. Additionally, while hempcrete can be proposed for projects on a
case-by-case basis, this adds an extra layer of uncertainty and potential complexity
for builders.
COMMERCIAL RESTRICTIONS
Importantly, hempcrete is currently prohibited for use in commercial construction
projects until at least 2025, which limits its application primarily to residential
structures such as one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. This restriction
can hinder its broader acceptance and implementation in the construction
industry.
CONCLUSION ON REGULATIONS
In summary, while hempcrete is gaining recognition and regulatory approval, its
use is still limited by the need for adoption at the state and local levels, as well as
current restrictions that exclude commercial applications. These factors can create
challenges for builders seeking to incorporate hempcrete into their projects.
ADVANTAGES &
DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES
Sustainability: Hempcrete is biodegradable, recyclable, and contributes
positively to carbon sequestration.
Thermal Performance: Its high thermal mass helps regulate indoor
temperatures, reducing energy costs.
Healthy Indoor Environment: The breathable and moisture-regulating
properties of hempcrete minimize mold growth and improve air quality.
DISADVANTAGES
Lower Compressive Strength: Hempcrete is much less strong than
concrete, with about 1/20th the compressive strength, necessitating
supportive load-bearing structures.
Higher Initial Costs: The cost of hempcrete can be higher than
conventional materials due to limited availability and the current scale of
production.
Slower Curing Time: Unlike traditional concrete, hempcrete has a curing
process that can take weeks, impacting construction timelines.
INSTANCES UTILIZING THE
SPECIFIED MATERIALS
Hempcrete has been implemented in several notable projects worldwide.
For instance, a public housing tower in the UK incorporated hempcrete as
a sustainable infill material [5:UI45]. The Pierre Chevet Sports Center in
France also utilized hempcrete, experimenting with its insulating
properties within a wooden framework.
In the United States, the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Minnesota has
embraced hempcrete for housing projects, leveraging its mold and pest
resistance along with its eco-friendly attributes. As the industry continues
to explore and advocate for the inclusion of hempcrete in construction
codes, its use is expected to grow, leading to innovations that integrate this
promising material into modern building practices.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, while hempcrete is still in the experimental stage as an alternative building
material, its definition, benefits, applications, and advantages and disadvantages position
it as a frontrunner in sustainable construction.The instances of its application highlight
its practical viability, suggesting a bright future for hempcrete in the realm of green
building.
SUCCESSFUL CASE
STUDIES OF
HEMPCRETE IN
RESIDENTIAL
PROJECTS
THE HEMP HOUSE IN
MULLUMBIMBY
One notable example is The Hemp House in Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia, designed by
Barefoot Sustainable Design. This project showcases the integration of hempcrete into
residential architecture, serving as a pioneering model for sustainable living.
PORTUGAL'S
FIRST
RESIDENTIAL
HEMPCRETE
PROJECT
In Portugal, the first residential project
utilizing hempcrete was completed in
2021. This innovative construction
highlights the potential of hempcrete
as a sustainable, low-carbon-footprint
material suitable for modern home
designs.
RECENT LARGE
DETACHED
FAMILY HOME
Another significant project is a three-
story, large detached family hempcrete
house completed in late 2021. This
residential case study demonstrates
the adaptability of hempcrete in larger
scale constructions while maintaining
its eco-friendly benefits.
CONCLUSION ON HEMPCRETE
CASE STUDIES
These successful case studies of hempcrete in residential projects illustrate the growing
acceptance and implementation of hempcrete as a sustainable building material. As more
architects and builders embrace its benefits, we can expect to see a rise in similar projects
that prioritize environmental responsibility in construction.
TH “Design to Build,
Not to Smoke”
AN
K
Y
OU !
BUSBUS, ANLLIA GEORGE
CANDELARIO, MILBERT B.
CORDOVA, KIMBERLY JANE D.
CORPUZ, KLARC M.
DIESTA, MARY MARGARET
