Hempcrete Guard House with Bamboo Frame and Thatched Roof on a Mango Farm
This project demonstrates how hempcrete construction can be used for small farm infrastructure such as guard accommodation and staff housing. Located on a mango farm in the Terai region, the structure combines hempcrete walls, a bamboo frame structure, and a traditional thatched roof to create a naturally cool and breathable building. Instead of relying on conventional brick-cement construction, the building uses locally available natural materials that respond well to the hot climate of the plains. Hempcrete provides insulation and moisture regulation, while bamboo and thatch create a lightweight roof system that protects the structure from intense sun and rain. Projects like this reflect Shah Hemp Inno-Ventures’ effort to demonstrate that natural construction is not limited to eco-resorts or experimental homes — it can also serve practical rural infrastructure such as farm buildings, guard houses, and staff accommodation.
- Location:
- Kanchanpur, Nepal
- Project Type:
- Private
- Completion Date:
- 05/2018
- Client:
- Private Mango Farm
- Design & Features:
- Total Footprint Area:
- 450 sq ft. (42 sq.m).
- Total Volume of Hempcrete Installed:
- 489 cu.ft. (13 cu.m).
- Hempcrete Application:
- All external and partition walls.
- Openings:
- Aluminum doors and windows.
- Flooring:
- Cement.
- Roof :
- Thatched Roof
- Total Footprint Area:
Hempcrete Construction Timeline & Team
Timeline: 1 months
Labor: Local masons, workers, and carpenters were trained specifically for the project, gaining valuable skills in sustainable construction.
Expert Supervision: Dhiraj K. Shah
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
Farm House
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.
