Our FAQ
Hemp-lime blocks are easy and fast to lay. Hemp-lime poured in-situ is also easy to lay, but more time consuming. Hemp homes are popular with owner builders because of the straightforward methodology.
There are many details to consider before undertaking a building project. To find out more about being an owner-builder, click here:
Hemp-lime is ideal for renovations. Every project is different so we encourage you to get in touch with us to see what method will suit your project.
Hemp Squared is a manufacturer of building materials – we are not licensed builders. We are happy to work with and advise builders, designers, industry professionals, owner builders and others on the simple installation process for hemp-lime or hemp blocks.
If you’re a building industry professional looking to build with our products, please get in touch with us to find out what we can offer.
Hemp homes and straw bale homes can both be built to be very comfortable, and both use renewable resources.
Hemp blocks can be installed by builders and are weather resistant, where straw bales are almost exclusively the domain of owner-builders and need to be kept dry at all times until they are rendered. Hemp-lime is naturally resistant to mould growth, where straw isn’t.
All materials have their advantages and shortfalls. Each home builder must decide for themselves which materials best suit their needs and wants, as well as their building site.
The industrial hemp sector in WA is developing, and sadly we are unable to source the quantity of building grade hemp fibre we need from local sources.
We purchase locally grown hemp when it is available.
To ensure we have enough supply, we source some hemp from La Chanverie in France. This hemp is certifed to the CeNC standard. This certification guarantees the quality of the product and reflects the following characteristics:
– Controlled granulometry (particle size)
– Minimal dust level
– Optimal moisture content
– Constant Bulk Density
– Light colour (synonymous with no mould)
We are working to develop the hemp fibre sector in Western Australia and collaborate with growers, processors, builders, government, regulators and others whenever possible to the benefit of industrial hemp.
Our goal is to source all our hemp fibre locally, as soon as possible, and to ensure that the hemp fibre produced in WA is of a consistently high standard. We are on the path to making this happen.
For more information on industrial hemp in Western Australia, visit the WA hemp industry body website – iHempWA.
There are a few different ways that hemp can absorb, sequester or reduce CO2 the air.
When hemp is grown, it absorbs more carbon per hectare than any other crop. If this hemp is harvested and used in a way where it does not decompose, that carbon remains locked away inside the fibre of the hemp stalk.
Our hemp-lime blocks absorb additional carbon from the air. Lime absorbs carbon as it undergoes its setting process. This process essentially sees carbon that was produced at the time of manufacture, when limestone is turned into lime, reabsorbed into the material. This is known as the lime cycle. To see the lime cycle in action check out this video.
Over the life of a hemp home, significant energy reductions can be made, in comparison to a traditionally built home. With excellent insulative and humidity regulation qualities, households can greatly reduce their reliance on heaters and air-conditioners as the home remains comfortable for a greater proportion of the year. This in turn can reduce emissions created from energy generation that are sent into the atmosphere.
Hemp fibre in its dry form can be used as rodent bedding (which they love!) but once it is mixed and set as hemp-lime, rodents do not like it. Rodents will not eat or nest in cured hemp-lime.
Theoretically yes. In Western Australia, you will need a few things –
- Hemp Growers licence – find out more about Industrial Hemp Licensing via the Australian Business Licence and Information Service
- Adequate land, soil and water for the requirements of your chosen variety
- Seeds of the right variety (and the know how to grow them) – contact Hempgro
- Processing your raw material into usable components – this is something we are working on developing. Stay tuned!
Industrial hemp is regulated. In Western Australia, it must not contain more than 1.0% THC. Limits vary by region and country but the same principal holds true – industrial hemp fibre does not have psychoactive effects.
Hemp-lime is suitable for roof insulation. We recommend that hemp-lime is mixed on-site and applied by hand to maintain a loose texture.
Hemp is not suitable to be used for a slab or foundation. However, hemp-lime can be used as underfloor insulation to provide extra comfort for the occupants. Underfloor insulation should always be protected from moisture and weather.
Our blocks are not suitable for use where they will be in direct and constant contact with the earth. Hemp-lime is made from natural fibres and minerals and will start to break down when in unprotected contact with the ground. Hemp-lime is not structural and should not be used for retaining walls.
Properly cured hemp-lime will not combust. Hempcrete can be used alongside other fire resistant materials (such as MGO board) to build a home with a very high BAL rating suitable for building in the flame zone. Hempcrete was tested and passed the FRL 60/60/60 rating
Hempcrete’s hygroscopic nature means it regulates humidity and temperature inside. Humidity inside a hempcrete house generally sits at 50-60% making for a comfortable living environment. Hempcrete draws moisture to the outside meaning that mould issues are virtually non-existent.
Hemp-lime is breathable, humidity regulating and resistant to mould. There is no off-gassing with hemp-lime once it has cured. Due to these qualities, hemp provides a healthy living environment for its occupants and may reduce some of the causes of respiratory issues and allergies.
Not only is hemp-lime easy to work with, it provides many benefits for the building’s occupants.
Hemp-lime is termite resistant.
Hemp-lime regulates humidity and is mould resistant.
Hemp-lime is bushfire resistant and does not combust.
Hemp-lime absorbs and sequesters CO2 from the air, helping fight climate change.
Hemp-lime can be installed by owner-builders.
Hemp-lime is versatile with many finishes possible – from rustic and natural, to sleek and modern, and everything in between.
Hemp is one element that can contribute to an energy efficient house. As an excellent insulator hemp helps slow summer heat from passing through the walls. Hemp-lime is also a heat sink and holds warmth from the winter sun, releasing it during the night.
Many aspects affect the energy efficiency of a home, including:
Design with respect to sun angles
Creation of air flow for cooling
Other materials used in the build
Locations of windows and type of windows
Exterior shade including trees, eaves, pergolas and fences
Types of appliances used in the home
For more information on energy efficient design and building check out:
The terms hempcrete and hemp-lime are commonly used interchangeably however there are differences.
We use hemp-lime – which is made using hemp hurds, high calcium lime, water, and a binder made of naturally occurring minerals. These minerals include slate and pozzolan, which react with the lime when it comes into contact with water, creating a product that sets hard.
Hempcrete is also made from hemp hurds, lime-based binder and water. However, many binders used for hempcrete contain cement to assist in the setting process.
All building materials have an impact. Hemp-lime is an effective natural material with a lighter environmental footprint than cement and many other materials on the market.
Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure take a trivial of us ever undertakes.
Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure take a trivial of us ever undertakes.
Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure take a trivial of us ever undertakes.
Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure take a trivial of us ever undertakes.
Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure take a trivial of us ever undertakes.
Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure take a trivial of us ever undertakes.