Janakpur Trauma Hospital Extension
The Janakpur Trauma Hospital extension showcases sustainable Hempcrete construction. Built by Shah Hemp Inno-Ventures, this project integrates sustainable materials like hemp, lime, and bamboo with local craftsmanship, creating eco-friendly, thermally efficient, and durable healthcare spaces. It highlights the potential of Hempcrete in blending sustainability with functionality. This innovative combination of hempcrete, lime, bamboo, and modern materials resulted in a facility that is environmentally friendly, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. This project is featured in the book Hemp Buildings: 50 International Case Studies.
- Location: Janakpur, Nepal
- Project Type: Commercial
- Completion Date: 08/2017
- Client: Janakpur Trauma Hospital
- Design & Features:
- Total Footprint Area: 900sq ft. (84 sq.m).
- Total Volume of Hempcrete Installed: 1544 cu.ft. (44 cu.m).
- Hempcrete Application: All external and partition walls and false ceilings.
- Openings: Aluminum doors and windows.
- Flooring: Ceramic tile flooring.
Community Impact
The project bridged traditional knowledge and modern techniques, fostering community pride and interest. Many locals recalled their past reliance on lime for construction and embraced the idea of using it over cement. This hempcrete construction has inspired further interest in sustainable building practices in the region.
Sustainable Benefits
Eco-Friendly Materials: Hempcrete and lime plaster minimizes the carbon footprint and creates a healthier indoor environment.
Thermal Comfort: The hempcrete walls finished with lime plaster and clay plaster regulate temperature, keeping the rooms naturally warm in winters and cool in the summers.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: Natural lime paint eliminates chemical odors typical of synthetic paints
Hempcrete Construction Timeline & Team
Timeline: 6 months
Labor: Local masons, workers, and carpenters were trained specifically for the project, gaining valuable skills in sustainable construction.
Expert Supervision: Steve Allin, Laurent Goudet, and Gilbert Baumans provided technical guidance and expertise throughout the project.
Extension: Meeting Hall
Janakpur Trauma Hospital
Dental Office Room
Craniofacial Center (CFC) Dept.
Dental Ward Room
Craniofacial Center (CFC) Dept.
Key Learnings from this project
1. Compatibility with Clay: Hempcrete construction demonstrates excellent durability when paired with clay. However, due to the high thermal mass, the thermal performance is reduced compared to hempcrete with lime binder.
2. Integration with Aluminum Elements: Aluminum doors and windows integrate seamlessly with hempcrete walls, ensuring a modern finish without compromising functionality. Hempcrete is also fully compatible with aluminum false ceiling systems, allowing for versatile design possibilities.
3. Performance of Clay Plaster: Clay plaster adheres well to hempcrete walls, offering a natural and breathable finish suitable for tropical climates.
4. Optimizing Hempcrete in Tropical Heat: Proper ventilation is essential to enhance the performance of hempcrete walls in tropical heat, ensuring thermal comfort throughout the day.
5. Publication: Thermal Performance Evaluation of Hempcrete as Infill-wall in a Building: A Case Study of Janakpur, Nepal – IOEGC14 (2023).
