Hempcrete Construction Lahan

Montessori School | Lahan

Hempcrete Construction Lahan

Location: Lahan, Nepal

Project Type: Commercial

Completion Date: 06/2017

Client: Dr. Subhash Shah

A local doctor couple in Lahan, inspired by the hempcrete construction used in the Janakpur Trauma Hospital extension, decided to integrate this innovative material into their next project: building a Montessori school for their community. Following the same sustainable approach, they used hempcrete to create a healthy, eco-friendly, and nurturing space for early childhood education, demonstrating its versatility and potential in community-focused construction

Design & Features

Total Footprint Area: 500 sq ft. (50 sq.m).

Total Volume of Hempcrete Installed: 1050 cu.ft. ( 105 cu.m).

Hempcrete Application: All external walls and false ceilings.

Structural Details:

  • Bamboo skeleton for the walls, cast with hempcrete.
  • Lime plaster finish for walls.
  • Hempcrete false ceiling insulation made with bamboo mesh, hempcrete, and an aluminum structure. Finished with Clay and cow dung plaster. 
  • Top layer with a metal structure with a galvanized tin roof.

Other Materials:

  • Aluminum doors and windows.

Hempcrete Construction Timeline & Team

  • Timeline: 14 days
  • Labor: Local masons, workers, and carpenters were trained specifically for the project.
  • Expert Supervision: Dhiraj K. Shah 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.

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 Lime Plaster: Lime plaster adheres well to hemp-clay walls, offering a natural and breathable finish suitable for tropical climates.

Testimonials

“The room is so cool-temperature-wise.”

Construction Pictures

Would you like to explore how Hempcrete can transform your next project into an eco-friendly, comfortable, and sustainable space?

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