Did you know that you can build houses with cannabis?

It might sound a bit far-fetched, but in recent years, I’ve had the privilege to meet some remarkable individuals from Germany and beyond who are part of the hemp building industry. Their idealism and dedication to sustainable construction have ignited a global movement of builders determined to make hemp construction more accessible to the public, while also working to transform the highly polluting concrete industry.

Learning about hempcrete

I had the opportunity to participate in a two-day workshop at a small hempstone facility in Zempow, Brandenburg. This hands-on experience allowed me to work with hempcrete and witness its application on a construction site.

Another unforgettable experience was meeting Steve Allin, the pioneer and founder of the International Hemp Building Association (IHBA), at the annual EIHA meeting in Brussels. Our conversation shed light on his journey and current perspectives on hemp building and the industry itself.

What may seem like an idealistic niche within the realm of hemp could very well become a game-changer for the global construction industry, one of the most environmentally damaging sectors worldwide.

So, what is this miraculous building material made from hemp? It’s called hempcrete.

Hempcrete is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials like concrete, created by mixing the inner woody fibers of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) with lime and water. Here are some key features and characteristics of hempcrete:

Sustainability: Hemp is a fast-growing plant that demands minimal water, pesticides, and herbicides, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable material for construction.

Insulation: Hempcrete is prized for its excellent thermal insulation properties. It aids in maintaining temperature and humidity in buildings, leading to energy efficiency and reduced heating and cooling costs.

Lightweight: While hempcrete is lighter than traditional concrete, it isn’t as strong and is primarily used for non-load-bearing applications. Its lightness, though, makes it more manageable during construction and transportation.

Non-toxic: Hempcrete is non-toxic and doesn’t emit harmful fumes or gases, contributing to better indoor air quality.
Carbon-negative: Hemp plants absorb more carbon dioxide (CO2) during growth than is released during the production of hempcrete, making it a carbon-negative building material, crucial for combating climate change.

Fire and Pest Resistance: Hempcrete is naturally resistant to pests and fire, enhancing its durability.

Workability: It’s easy to work with and can be used for various construction applications, including walls, insulation, and even as plaster.

Hempire, an innovative company from Ukraine known for its modern designs, often constructs domes from hemp. These structures create a unique indoor climate and ambiance, partly due to the geometric advantages of the dome.  

I’m eager to dive deeper into this topic, visiting pioneers in Ireland, Ukraine, France, and the Netherlands for interviews, and learning how to build with hemp. I’m exploring whether it’s possible for individuals to build their own homes without being architects, as long as they have someone with building experience on their team to guide them. 

However, to conduct this research, travel, film, carry out post-production, and share this knowledge, I need more than just my two hands. That’s why I’ve launched this crowdfunding campaign, hoping to collectively raise the necessary funds to create an episode on hempcrete. 

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