
Location: Janakpur, Nepal
Project Type: Commercial
Completion Date: 08/2017
Client: Janakpur Trauma Hospital
The Janakpur Trauma Hospital extension showcases the use of Hempcrete in modern 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.
Design & Features
Total Footprint Area: 900 sq 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.
Structural Details:
- Bamboo skeleton for the walls, cast with hempcrete.
- Lime plaster and natural lime paint finish for walls.
- False roof panels and hempcrete flase ceiling insulation made with bamboo mesh, hempcrete, and an aluminum structure
- False roof hempcrete panels insulation on an aluminum suspended structure.
- Hempcrete false roof insulation on bamboo mesh and bamboo suspended structure.
- Top layer with a metal structure with a galvanized tin roof.
Other Materials:
- Aluminum doors and windows.
- Ceramic tile flooring.
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.
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.
Key Learnings from this project
- 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.
- 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.
- Performance of Clay Plaster: Clay plaster adheres well to hempcrete walls, offering a natural and breathable finish suitable for tropical climates.
- 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.
Performance Graphs


Testimonials
“The rooms smell so good, unlike the chemical smell of regular paints.”
“It is so amazing to sit there in winters. You can just simply work in a t-shirt and shorts without any heating device—it feels so good.”
“The acoustics inside is so different and quiet, it doesnt make noise in the rain despite having a tin roof.”