Table of Contents

Foreword by Professor Tom Woolley Introduction Part One: Principles of building with hempcrete 1 History and uses of hemp 2 Hemp in construction 3 An introduction to lime 4 Key concepts in sustainable building 5 Getting the basics right 6 Variations on the hemp-lime mix 7 Performance of hempcrete in a building 8 Tools and equipment 9 Health and safety 10 Planning the build Focus on self-build 1: Agan Chy Part Two: Hempcrete construction 11 The hempcrete wall: an overview 12 Foundations and plinth 13 The structural frame 14 Shuttering 15 Mixing hempcrete 16 Placing hempcrete 17 Floors, ceilings and roof insulation 18 Finishes for hempcrete 19 Practicalities on a hempcrete build 20 Restoration and retrofit Focus on self-build 2: Hemp Lime House Part Three: Designing a hempcrete building 21 Design fundamentals 22 Indicative detailing Focus on self-build 3:Bridge End Cottage 23 A look to the future Resources

Promotional Information

"Truly comprehensive and enormously helpful. I wish we'd had this guide when building our Hempcrete homes in Swindon!" - Kevin McCloud -- Kevin McCloud

About the Author

William Stanwix is a qualified building surveyor and founder of a growing UK company which specialises in new build and restoration with hempcrete and other natural building materials. Along with ongoing construction projects, Will provides consultancy, technical design and training for people interested in building with hempcrete and other natural building materials. Alex Sparrow works for one of only a handful of companies working with hempcrete in the UK and the only one to work with self-builders. Alex works on the strategic development of the company but still regularly take the opportunity to get his hands dirty on the building sites. Beyond the day-job, he is also a freelance writer on natural building.

Reviews

"We are delighted that Alex and Will are publishing such an excellent and comprehensive text book on building with hemp and lime. Our pioneering work in the late 1990s and the building of the two hemp houses in Haverhill in Suffolk was a real milestone for the material because we were able to give builders, building inspectors and insurers the confidence they needed to carry on building with it. This 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."

"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."

"Any architect, designer, owner or builder thinking of building in hemp or using lime in their build should obtain this book before they start."

"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."

"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."

"Truly comprehensive and enormously helpful. I wish we'd had this guide when building our Hempcrete homes in Swindon!"

"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."