As sustainable living gains momentum, builders and homeowners are exploring greener, more cost-effective construction methods. One innovative approach, highlighted in this article by ABC News, uses hemp and horse manure as primary building materials. Inspired by traditional construction techniques, this method offers an affordable and eco-friendly way to create homes that are energy-efficient and highly durable. By leveraging renewable, locally-sourced materials, builders can minimize environmental impact while also reducing costs.
Why use hemp and horse manure?
Hemp is known for its versatility and strength, making it ideal for sustainable building. When combined with lime and water to form hempcrete, it produces a lightweight, breathable material that provides excellent insulation. Hempcrete helps regulate indoor humidity and temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Horse manure, though unconventional, is making a comeback as a sustainable building material. Traditionally used in construction, manure can be mixed with other organic substances to form a natural plaster or render. It is breathable, weather-resistant, and readily available, making it a practical choice for eco-conscious construction.
Combining hempcrete with horse manure renders results in homes that are affordable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly, providing a pathway toward truly sustainable living.
How it’s done: constructing the framework and walls with hempcrete
The construction process generally involves creating walls and a framework with hempcrete:
- Mixing hempcrete: Hempcrete is made by combining hemp hurds (the woody core of hemp stalks) with lime and water. This mixture forms a paste that hardens into a durable yet lightweight material ideal for insulation.
- Building around a timber frame: The hempcrete is poured around a timber frame, forming strong, insulating walls that help maintain a comfortable indoor climate by keeping heat in during winter and cool air in during summer.
This unique blend of hemp and horse manure offers a modern take on sustainable construction, paving the way for affordable and eco-friendly housing options that could revolutionize the industry.