Embracing the Power of Hempcrete: Designing a Compact and Sustainable Haven

An exemplar of sustainable living and intelligent design has emerged in Lyonville, Central Victoria. With a preference for warm earthy tones, Sarah and David's vision also emphasised solar passive design principles and the exploration of Hempcrete as a building material. Their intention was to create a haven that showcased the elegance of simplicity while being considerate of the environment and mindful of the climate.

Our design response embraced the concept of “just enough” and the goal of deliberately keeping the house compact, which was an extremely refreshing approach for this project with its modest 75 square metre footprint.

Nestled at an impressive elevation of 740 metres, this home faced the challenge of delivering outstanding performance even in harsh conditions. Despite encountering sub-zero temperatures, the well-designed space is able to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures of 20°C without the need for additional heating.

A practical workstation nestled beneath the north facing windows.

The choice to utilise Hempcrete in the construction of this home brought a multitude of benefits. Not only does it exhibit exceptional resistance to fire, pests, and mould, ensuring a secure and long-lasting structure, but the breathability of the lime and clay plastered walls also guarantees a constant supply of fresh air while effectively regulating humidity levels.

Hempcrete House, Lyonville, Victoria

Miglas Aliclad high performance windows

Furthermore, the environmental advantages of Hempcrete cannot be overlooked. Its unique ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, coupled with its status as a natural and renewable material, contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions and fosters a more sustainable future.

Sarah and David's project stands as a testament to the possibilities of creating a functional, beautiful, and environmentally conscious home within a compact space. We are immensely proud to have been a part of bringing their vision to life.

As featured in the Hempcrete Building Special, Sanctuary Magazine, Issue 63 and The Design Files.