Hempcrete Apartment | Janakpur
The hempcrete apartment construction style showcases sustainable Hempcrete construction on top of existing RCC strcture who would like to have a light-weight shelter; something better then prefab panels and tin roof. 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.
- Location: Janakpur, Nepal
- Project Type: Private
- Completion Date: 04/2019
- Design & Features:
- Total Footprint Area: 437 sq ft. (41 sq.m).
- Total Volume of Hempcrete Installed: 1167 cu.ft. (33 cu.m).
- Hempcrete Application: All external and partition walls and ceilings.
- Openings: Timber doors and windows.
Hempcrete Construction Timeline & Team
Timeline: 3 months
Labor: Local masons, workers, and carpenters were trained specifically for the project, gaining valuable skills in sustainable construction.
Expert Supervision: Dhiraj K. Shah with carpenters did the bamboo framing and provided technical guidance and expertise throughout the project.
Community Impact
The hempcrete apartment 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 apartment 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
Construction Pictures
Key Learnings from this project
1. Bamboo Flat-Roof with Hempcrete:
2. Integration with Wood Elements: Wood doors and windows integrate seamlessly with hempcrete walls, ensuring a upcycling of traditional good old wood from old house to finish without compromising functionality.
3. 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.
