ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIAL: HEMPCRETE

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A beautiful hillside home for artists in rural Israel proves that industrial hemp may be the next trend in eco-friendly construction. Hempcrete is a bio-composite material made from hemp hurds, hydrated lime and water.

Hempcrete is also a fire-resistant plant-based material with carbon sequestration benefits, meaning it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is low-density and resistant to cracks under movement, which makes it ideal for earthquake prone areas. It also lacks the brittleness of concrete and does not require expansion joints. While the Israeli home’s lower walls are made from locally excavated stone, the upper walls are made from hempcrete set between wood framing. The home also incorporates rammed earth interior walls, earth-based plaster and passive features, as well as solar panels, rainwater collection and a greywater purification system.