BUILDING NATURALLY
Hempcrete Construction in Nepal
Since 2015
89m → 4000m+
15,000+ cu.ft
What is Hempcrete?
Hempcrete is a bio-composite made from hemp hurds, a lime-based binder and water. Once cast around a structural frame, it forms a breathable, insulating wall system that regulates temperature and humidity while remaining lightweight and mould-resistant. At SHIV, we source wild-grown local hemp wherever possible and pair it with appropriate lime technology to create mixes suited to Nepal’s diverse climates.
Lightweight
Thermal Comfort
Humidity Control
Acoustic Insulation
Carbon Impact
Fire Resistant
Where Hempcrete Fits Into Your Project
Hempcrete Construction is versatile and can be used in many types of buildings, especially where comfort and health matter. We help you decide where hempcrete makes the most sense in your design, technically and financially.
Homes and farmhouses
Primary residences, country homes and long-stay spaces that benefit from stable temperatures and breathable walls.
Staff quarters and guest houses
Comfortable, low-maintenance accommodation for staff, doctors, teachers, volunteers or guests.
Retreat centres and schools
Healthy, quiet, non-toxic learning and retreat environments that showcase natural materials.
Selective retrofits and extensions
Interior walls, additions and spaces where you want to significantly improve comfort and indoor air quality.
Research & Technical Contributions
We believe in evidence-based natural building. SHIV has been part of, or directly contributed to, several studies and technical presentations that document hempcrete’s performance in Nepal.
Some of the key works that mention or involve SHIV include:
Regional Research & Demonstrations Across Asia
Beyond Nepal, SHIV has actively explored hempcrete construction in different Asian contexts, testing how the material responds to varied climates, construction cultures, and regulatory environments.
Hyderabad, India – Demonstration Building
A pilot hempcrete structure showcasing feasibility for urban and semi-urban Indian conditions, serving as a reference model for architects and builders.
Vietnam – Experimental Research
Collaborative experiments and material testing conducted with local researchers and academic partners to study hempcrete construction and its performance in tropical conditions.
Expanding Across Asia
We are open to collaborating with partners and institutions to take hempcrete construction to other parts of Asia through research, pilot projects and knowledge transfer.
Case Studies
From family homes to community halls, SHIV’s hempcrete construction projects prove resilience and beauty across Nepal and beyond.
Hempcrete Construction Workshops
At SHIV, we regularly host hands-on Hempcrete Construction Workshops for architects, engineers, students, and homeowners who want to learn natural construction the right way.
Participants experience the full process — mixing, casting, compaction, curing, and understanding material behavior directly on site.
Is Hempcrete Construction Right for Your Building?
A Good Fit For You, If You:
- Value comfort, health and indoor air quality.
- Care about carbon, local materials and community skills.
- Are open to a more careful, craft-based building process.
- Plan to work with a structural frame plus infill walls.
May Not Be Ideal For You, If You:
- Only want the lowest possible upfront cost.
- Need extremely rapid, high-speed construction.
- Are unwilling to adapt details to a breathable wall system.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Hempcrete construction uses a mixture of hemp hurd, lime, and water to create insulating, breathable wall systems. Hempcrete is a non-structural, eco-friendly material that regulates humidity, improves indoor comfort, and significantly reduces a building’s carbon footprint.
Yes. Hempcrete performs exceptionally well in Nepal’s hot summers, humid monsoon, and cooler winters. Because it combines insulation with thermal mass, it stabilizes indoor temperatures and reduces the need for mechanical cooling or heating. Hempcrete paired with breathable lime plasters works very well in Nepal’s climate.
Upfront costs can be slightly higher than brick-and-cement construction, mainly due to the use of local hemp hurds, quality lime and skilled workmanship. However, hempcrete offers long-term savings through:
Lower energy bills
Reduced maintenance
Better indoor comfort
Longer lifespan of finishes
Over the life of the building, hempcrete becomes more cost-efficient.
Hempcrete walls should be finished with breathable plasters such as natural lime or clay plaster; cement-based plasters should be avoided as they trap moisture and damage the wall system.
Yes. SHIV collaborates with architects, engineers, and contractors by providing:
Technical guidance
Material supply
On-site training
Support during design and execution
We ensure the hempcrete is used correctly, safely, and optimally.
Yes. We regularly conduct hands-on hempcrete workshops and site-based trainings for students, professionals, and self-builders. These sessions cover:
Mix design
Casting methods
Detailing
Finishing techniques
Live project experience in Nepal and other Asian countries
Participants learn practical skills and gain real exposure to natural building methods.
