Thoughts on architecture...: Hemp-Lime Construction

The use of Hemp-Lime construction is growing in use as a more environmentally friendly choice for construction. Hemp is carbon sequestering and lime is a lower embodied carbon and breathable alternative to ordinary portland cement (OPC). Therefore, when combined with other sustainable choices for foundation and roof construction and finishes, a low to no carbon building that has a breathable and healthy environment can be acheived.

Another benefit is that if used where there is naturally occuring limestone or chalk, and hemp can be grown, a truely ecological approach of building can be used which is to build with materials from the site.

Some good examples from recent years:

This is Clay Fields development in Suffolk designed by Riches Hawly Mikhail Architects and Buro Happold Engineers, for Orwell Housing Association. Hemp-Lime sprayed onto Timber Frame with permenent internal sheathing. Source: Case Study Sheet from: limetechnology, Tradical, hemcrete. CaseStudy: Orwell Housig Association availiable from: http://www.limetechnology.co.uk

The Triangle housing development by Hab Oakus developers, designed by Glenn Howells, built by Willmott Dixon in Swindon, Wiltshire. Hemp-lime compacted within temporary shuttering onto timber frame. OPC content reducing ecological credentials. Source: University of Bath, EPSRC and BRE, Hemp-Lime, The Triangle, Low Impact Materials: Case Study H, May 2011, availiable from BRE online.

Seven Storey Office buildig, timber frame with hemp-lime blocks in Clermot Ferrad. Source: Bevan, R. & Wooley, T., 2008. Hemp Lime Construction, A Guide to building with hemp lime composites, Bracknell: IHS BRE Press.

Hemp-Lime Spray onto Timber Frame at th WISE building at C.A.T. This building succesfully used a number of ecologically minded and mostly natural materials to create a living ad studying space of outstanding architectural quality. Source: http://info.cat.org.uk/questions/wise/how-were-natural-insulation-materials-hemp-cellulose-and-cork-used-wise

A few construction details for hemp-lime construction: