Hempcrete: a natural solution in the quest for better materials

Construction’s journey towards a zero-carbon future has largely focused on modern materials and technologies. But the insulation and low carbon credentials of bio-based materials such as hempcrete are winning over some serious players.

Back in 2001, Building went to visit an architect in a small Suffolk village who had persuaded 15 locals to use a mixture of lime and hemp for their building projects. The architect showed Building around his lime and hemp extension, waxing lyrically about the material’s low environmental impact, excellent insulation properties and breathability.

The architect’s name was Ralph Carpenter, the village was called Hartest and, according to Tom Woolley, professor of architecture at Queens University Belfast, and an expert on natural building materials, Carpenter is the “grandfather” of lime hemp construction.