Hempcrete is a sustainable construction material and biocomposite made from a mixture of hemp hurds and a binder, used in construction and insulation as a sustainable alternative to concrete or plasterboard. Selected for its low carbon footprint, its provenance and its biodegradability at end of life, Woods Bagot recently chose hempcrete as a key material on the redevelopment of the University of Tasmania’s heritage-listed Forestry Building. At practical completion, the Forestry Building will be the largest example of a commercial use of hempcrete in Australia.
Join a conversation with the designers, manufacturers, and builders prototyping and working with the material, exploring the possibilities of this sustainable alternative to traditionally carbon-intensive materials. In this discussion, Woods Bagot will examine the process of creating hempcrete; the risk and experimentation involved in using these new materials en masse; and the revolutionary potential of adopting circular and sustainable materials in terms of addressing rising construction costs, supply shortages, and a climate crisis.
Speakers :
- Will Brain (hempcrete technician, founder, RespiraBuilt)
- Phoebe Settle (interior designer, Woods Bagot)
- Alastair Flynn (architect, Woods Bagot)
- Alex Gorton (project manager, Hansen Yuncken)
Key discussion points for manufacturers, builders and designers will include:
- How does hempcrete perform in terms of insulation, moisture control, and fire resistance?
- How does the construction timeline and cost compare to traditional building materials?
- What are the specific environmental benefits of using hempcrete in construction projects?
- What is the level of acceptance and adoption of hempcrete in construction? Is this changing?
