Industrial Hemp is a rapidly renewable plant based commodity. It isn’t energy intensive to grow and contributes to soil biodiversity during growth. The woody core fibre of industrial hemp stalks, referred to as the “Hurd,” is considered a by-product of the Hemp Industry and is well suited for use as a filler in insulating biocomposites. Using this waste product on a large scale will empower farmers.
Hempitecture Inc, a Sun Valley, Idaho-based company that manufactures and distributes sustainable building materials, has studied the potential for improved binder formulations from Hurd. It uses Hempcrete, an insulating bioaggregate building material derived from limestone and Hurd. The Hurd is mixed with a mineral based binder and water in a specific ratio to achieve a cohesive mixture which will solidify into the form in which it’s cast. During solidification the minerals bind to the hurd, resulting in a final product containing rotproof and fireproof qualities.
Hempcrete has been used in France since the early 1990s, (discovered by Charles Rassetti, a French artisan) and more recently in Canada, to construct non-weight bearing insulating infill walls, as Hempcrete does not have the requisite strength for constructing foundation and is instead supported by the frame. Hempcrete also breathes, allowing moisture to evaporate (no mold), does not off-gas, and is avoided by termites. What’s more, it is fire resistant!
Not just energy efficient but Carbon offsetting as well
Industrial Hemp absorbs CO2 from the air during its growth. After mixing the hurd with the binder, CO2 is absorbed during the solidification process ultimately offsetting the building material’s carbon footprint. One feet of Hempcrete building material offsets approximately 7.27 lbeq of CO2.
Hempcrete is mixed and cast around a structural frame. Hempcrete is a monolithic wall system that is best used as a thermal envelope for energy efficient building projects. Hempcrete can be used in new construction as well as for renovations. This plant-based building material is suitable for a wide variety of climates.
Hempitecture is the only quality construction company in the US focused on building with Hempcrete to build house with hemp.
Hemp panel innovation
Hempcrete construction can happen in many forms, such as cast in place around a timber structure, as an infill between existing studs in a renovation project, or in panels. Hempitecture designed and built a series of insulating structural panels to complete the Idaho Basecamp Hemp Building Project.
Hempitecture is also innovating the way Hempcrete structures are built through applying technology to enable natural building to be more cost competitive and scalable. The company is implementing conveyence and material delivery systems that we have custom designed for the sole purpose of installing Hempcrete more effectively and efficiently.
Mathew Mead, CEO and Founder, Hempitecture believes that buildings made from the earth can increase our enjoyment of the world around us and will allow us to live with respect for nature while remaining conscious of the impact we have on it. Hempitecture is a public benefit corporation with a purpose to create healthy, energy efficient habitats that positively impact inhabitants as well as environment through the sequestration of Carbon Dioxide.
Hempitecture also build the Highland Hemp House in Bellingham, WA.
HempWool
Hempitecture also makes HempWool, a sustainable, high-performing fiber insulation – an insulation building material that is good for you and our Planet. Like Hempcrete, the plant-based insulation product also captures CO2, helping build healthier and more sustainable homes With an R-Value of R-3.7/in, HempWool outperforms its toxic competitors and is made from 92% industrial hemp fibre.
HempWool comes in various depths and widths to meet building needs and is easy to work with. HempWool is good for everyone, from the installers, to other tradespeople on the job, to the customer, who gets to live in a healthy, well insulated home.
Hempitecture Inc, will soon be expanding its operations to bring a new, 20,000 sq. ft. facility to Southern Idaho. Hempitecture’s facility in the Magic Valley is expected to be operational by May of 2022, bring high-skilled jobs to the region and future investment to Southern Idaho.
The proposed facility will manufacture HempWool for residential and commercial construction projects of Hemp House. Hempitecture, holding the US patent for HempWool insulation, will be utilizing proprietary textile technology to manufacture HempWool insulation.
Source: Hempitecture Inc
