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HEMP INNOVATIONS
ECOCONSTRUCTION GOES MAINSTREAM
Hemp Houses in the Sunshine State
companies – also benefit greatly from the cultivation of industrial hemp. Future generations benefit by continuing to be able to use the land to produce food, clothing and shelter. Commercial farming has a negative track record regarding environmental impact, with toxic run-off from fertilized fields polluting streams and other water
Sativa Diva
When many people hear the word ‘sustainable’, they often think about the low-carbon, environmentally friendly agricultural and construction efforts currently being made worldwide. In Florida, one company is actually attempting to combat climate change through the production of a unique building material, known as Tradical® Hemcrete®. This revolutionary product combines old-world traditions and cutting-edge hemp technology, while boasting a low carbon footprint from germination of the crops, all the way past your move-in date.
Hemcrete® bio-composite supplies, failed or lacking crop rotation depleting the soil; then erosion occurs – and even emissions from livestock are being lamented. Speaking of which, the amount of land required in order to sustain the livestock alone could feed millions of Americans annually; meanwhile in Ireland, cereal crop
ticated interiors; likewise, the old-world techniques of stucco, adobe and poured-in walls have been revolutionized in order to construct organic, natural structures that blend well into their local environment. Less obvious benefits to hemp building materials are highlighted by American Lime Technology through their use of Tradical® Hemcrete®. These sustainable houses, built in hurricane territory, are structurally breathable and adapt to the stifling heat and humidity and temperature changes typical of the southeast. Not only can the houses flex to adjust, but the Hemcrete® itself prevents mold and mildew that plague other domiciles. Despite this breathe-ability, pest control is much easier with a hemp house. The walls are airtight, and hemp insulation not only keeps out unwanted house guests, but it also works in conjunction with the hemp walls and hydraulic lime plaster to keep your utility bills low. Saving money is nice (especially in today’s economy) but saving the planet is nicer; lower upkeep costs mean that you can continue to keep your carbon footprint low, simply by living in your hemp house. The chunky hemp composite is bound with lime and cast or poured over a conventional wooden frame. Walls and floors may also be constructed from or lined with biocomposite or insulation, and the company also offers retro-fitting if you’re quite fond
Modern hemp houses can be sophisticated and stylish Sustainability is a big buzz word today; the idea of chemical-laden soil that has been utterly depleted of its own natural biology through irresponsible farming is quickly becoming frowned upon. American Lime Technology is a major North American company, based in Chicago, known for its lime
timber production, hemp building materials are the easiest way to construct a ‘green’ property, one sturdy enough to withstand the elements and yet still promote home comfort and a low carbon footprint. The new build near the coast is known as Clayton House, a prototype for sustainable
CULTIVATION OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP PREVENTS OR EVEN REVERSES MUCH ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE, AND BOTH PEOPLE AND LIVESTOCK CAN BE FED FROM IT. products and sustainable hemp building materials. Under the tutelage of retired engineer Bob Clayton, the group recently began production on hemp homes in Tarpon Springs, Florida, matching a similar effort in Asheville, North Carolina, from a few years back. A friendlier, renewable resource that doesn’t tax the Earth in the same way as
living and construction that is being built in a typical Florida ranch style. In addition to the construction companies and house-hunters themselves, those with vested agricultural interests – from smallscale family farmers to commercial crop producers sourcing major construction
One house can be built from just 2.5 acres of hemp
farmers have noticed a fifteen- to twentypercent increase in yield from the fields that have just rotated out hemp. Cultivation of industrial hemp prevents or even reverses much environmental damage, and both people and livestock can be fed from it. Carbon emissions are neutralized or lowered by the hemp plants themselves, as they process up to four times more carbon dioxide than trees. Instead of using lumber or synthetic building components, the production of industrial hemp crops to make building materials will not be detrimental to the environment. In fact, an average hectare of hemp plants can process up to twenty-two tons of greenhouse gases. The woody inner core components of the plant, known as the ‘hurds’ or ‘shives’, are cellulose-rich plant fibers with tens-ofthousands of applications. Everything from paper to bio-composite car parts such as dashboards and impact-resistant door panels can be produced from this substance, although perhaps the fastest-growing application is building materials. Bricks, breeze blocks, I-beams and more can be manufactured to create stylish, sleek and sophis-
Mixing the Hemcrete® in Tarpon Springs over the summer of 2012
of your current house, but would like to make it more efficient to live in. The thermal properties of these building materials also mean that they maintain excellent acoustic integrity, and more and more musicians and other recording artists are lining their studios with hemp insulation or bio-composites. While the inside stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the outside withstands hurricane-force winds – up to 123 MPH – and even forest fires. Since the cause of death regarding house fires is often smoke inhalation, hemp construction materials should be even more seriously considered. Not only do they have a high point of ignition, thus giving you more time to escape in the event of an indoor fire, but the exhaust fumes from a hemp fire are far less toxic than that of burning polyester carpeting, sofas, and whatever other non-natural products you may have adorning your home. This particular ‘eco-village’ will be constructed according to the Florida Building Code 2007, including the Florida Building Code Supplements 2009, and also the Florida Fire Prevention Code 2007. www.americanlimetechnology.com
