Description
Book SynopsisA comprehensive practical manual for professionals and self-builders, this innovative book explains the many benefits of building with hempcrete. Hempcrete is a building material with excellent, environmentally friendly properties. It's made from lime and hemp shivs (a waste product from hemp fibre growing) and can be used for walks, floor and roof insulation. Hempcrete is breathable, absorbing and emitting moisture; this helps regulate internal humidity, avoiding trapped moisture and mould growth, and creating healthier buildings. It provides excellent acoustic and thermal insulation, and it is lightweight, which reduces construction costs. Whether you're working on a new build or are planning a renovation,
The Hempcrete Book tells you everything you need to know to get started with hempcrete. It describes how to source and mix it, and provides a detailed account of construction techniques, highlighting potential pitfalls and how to avoid them. With fully illustrated des
Trade ReviewThis book provides clear guidance through its photos, text and sketches on all aspects of building with this ‘deep green’ material and takes our early work forward into the mainstream. It is a must-have for anyone planning to build with hempcrete, whether in renovation or new build projects. -- Ralph Carpenter and Richard Scales, MODECE ARCHITECTS, Suffolk
The book contains lots of good advice and general good building practice... I would recommend this book to anyone working in the field of sustainable building. -- Ian Pritchett
Any architect, designer, owner or builder thinking of building in hemp or using lime in their build should obtain this book before they start. -- Neil Garrett * The Owner Builder *
Eco-friendly and sustainability issues are now a key element in the design process and the authors of this publication proudly affirm that Hempcrete buildings can provide affordable, healthy, energy-efficient and sustainable accommodation. -- Dvid Phythian * Building Engineer *
They have a great knowledge of their favourite product, which they willingly share here with those eager to embrace this relatively new wonder product whose origins date to ancient times. -- Self Build & Design Magazine
Truly comprehensive and enormously helpful. I wish we’d had this guide when building our Hempcrete homes in Swindon! -- Kevin McCloud
If you are interested in learning more about using living materials for construction and how to use hempcrete for your upcoming projects or tests, I encourage you to get this book today. It is by far, the most detailed version on the market and completely easy to understand. -- Mabelle Plasencia * INmatteria.com *
Table of ContentsForeword by Professor Tom Woolley Introduction
Part One: Principles of building with hempcrete History and uses of hemp Hemp in construction An introduction to lime Key concepts in sustainable building Getting the basics right Variations on the hemp–lime mix Performance of hempcrete in a building Tools and equipment Health and safety Planning the build Focus on self-build 1: Agan Chy
Part Two: Hempcrete construction The hempcrete wall: an overview Foundations and plinth The structural frame Shuttering Mixing hempcrete Placing hempcrete Floors, ceilings and roof insulation Finishes for hempcrete Practicalities on a hempcrete build Restoration and retrofit Focus on self-build 2: Hemp Lime House
Part Three: Designing a hempcrete building Design fundamentals Indicative detailing Focus on self-build 3: Bridge End Cottage A look to the future Resources
