Table of Contents

Foreword 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

Promotional Information

A comprehensive practical manual for professionals and self-builders, this innovative book explains the many benefits to building with hempcrete.

About the Author

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 takes the opportunity to get his hands dirty on the building sites. Beyond the day-job, he is also a freelance writer on natural building.

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.

Reviews

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.
*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.
*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.
*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.
*INmatteria.com*