Hemphouse

Hempcrete is a mixture of hemp hurds, quicklime and water. The hurds are the woody core of the hemp stalk, left over as a by-product when fibres are extracted for the textile industry. On site, the moist mix was filled into formwork and compacted into non-load-bearing walls, and it was also used to insulate the floor and roof. Stored in the material is the carbon the plant absorbed while growing. After use, hempcrete can be crushed and used as aggregate for a new mix, or composted.

Since no glue-laminated timber was available in the region, the structure was assembled from solid timber sections and joined with screws only. Four rows of columns carry the roof beams, while larger spans are bridged by trusses made of squared timber. As no adhesive was used, the timber can be separated cleanly by type during dismantling and reused.

On the upper floor, octagonal modules are lined up side by side, linked by a continuous terrace. The timber columns are integrated into angled hempcrete walls, with floor-to-ceiling windows between them opening views to the landscape. The entrance, a sauna and a greenhouse are located on the lower floor, which is partly set into the ground. Cooling is provided by night ventilation, rainwater is collected and wastewater treated on site. Thanks to the modular grid, the house can later be extended by further octagons.

Project collection of the Interreg-Project DECORATOR

Text: ZAB | Sources: Ljubica Arsić, Bach Mühle Fuchs, Hemplicity, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Forestry, werk, bauen + wohnen, Afasia Archzine