Cafe Jambini | Sindhuli
Cafe Jambini in Sindhuli, Nepal, is an example of how natural building materials can be used creatively in sustainable construction. Originally built with locally sourced bamboo, the project later incorporated hemp and lime as an alternative protective layer to help preserve the existing structure. It demonstrates the potential of combining traditional materials with innovative natural building techniques.
- Location:
- Sundhuli, Nepal
- Project Type:
- Commercial
- Completion Date:
- 09/2023
- Client:
- Udaya Bikram Thapa
- Design & Features:
- Total Footprint Area:
- 1000 sq ft. (101 sq.m).
- Total Volume of Hempcrete Installed:
- 100 cu.ft. (11 cu.m).
- Hempcrete Application:
- Covering Bamboo Pilllars.
- Total Footprint Area:
Community Impact
Cafe Jambini was developed as a sustainable café serving the local community and travellers visiting Sindhuli, Nepal. The project incorporated locally sourced and treated bamboo, showcasing the potential of traditional materials in contemporary construction. It also created opportunities to involve local suppliers, craftspeople and workers. When the bamboo structure began deteriorating due to infestation, hemp and lime were applied over the existing bamboo posts and beams to help preserve the structure. The project demonstrates how locally available natural materials can be used not only to build new spaces but also to adapt and maintain existing structures.
Sustainable Benefits
Locally Sourced Materials : The project brought together bamboo, hemp and lime, highlighting the potential of locally available materials and reducing dependence on industrial construction products transported over long distances.
Preservation of Bamboo : Rather than immediately replacing the deteriorating bamboo framework, a layer of hemp and lime was applied over the posts and beams to help protect and preserve the existing structure.
Natural Material Integration : The combination of hemp and lime demonstrates an alternative application of hemp-lime construction beyond conventional wall infill, bringing together a plant-based aggregate and a mineral binder.
Hempcrete Construction Timeline & Team
Expert Supervision: Dhiraj Kumar Shah Construction Team: Local community members and cafe team came together for the installation.
Cafe Jambini
Key Learnings from this project
- Natural Materials Require Proper Protection: Even treated bamboo can deteriorate due to environmental exposure and infestation. Appropriate treatment, construction detailing and regular maintenance are essential.
- Hemp and Lime Have Diverse Applications: Hemp-lime can be used beyond conventional wall construction. At Cafe Jambini, it was applied over existing bamboo posts and beams as an alternative protective layer.
- Retrofitting Can Extend the Use of Existing Structures: Instead of immediately replacing the deteriorating bamboo framework, the project explored using hemp and lime to preserve it.
- Combining Natural Materials Requires Technical Understanding: Bamboo, hemp and lime have different properties. Their successful integration requires appropriate material preparation, application techniques and construction detailing.
