
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Project Type: Commercial
Completion Date: 07/2024
Client: Shree Kamal Basic School
Shree Kamal Basic School, a government school nestled in Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu, sought to create a dedicated music room on the second floor of its existing school building. With the structural foundation of concrete pillars and a roof already in place, the school took a bold step forward in embracing innovation. They chose hempcrete as the primary building material to craft a chemical-free, health-conscious space that fosters creativity. This decision not only aligned with their vision of a sustainable future but also ensured superior acoustics, making it an ideal environment for nurturing young musical talents.
Design & Features
Total Footprint Area: 750 sq ft. ( 75 sq.m).
Total Volume of Hempcrete Installed: 494 cu.ft. ( 49.4 cu.m).
Hempcrete Application : All external walls.
Structural Details:
- Bamboo skeleton for the walls, cast with hempcrete.
- Lime plaster and natural lime paint finish for walls.
Other Materials:
- UPVC doors and windows.
Hempcrete Construction Timeline & Team
- Timeline: 2 months
- Labor: Local contractor & his team.
- Expert Supervision: Dhiraj K. Shah and Gyalgen Lama
Community Impact
The construction of the music room at Shree Kamal Basic School holds profound significance for the local community. As a government-supported institution with contributions from local philanthropists, the school serves as a beacon of hope for underserved children. This music room goes beyond its primary function as a creative space; it becomes a platform for experiential learning about natural building methods and sustainability.
By incorporating hempcrete—a non-toxic, sustainable building material—into the project, the school introduces children and the community to innovative construction techniques. It demonstrates how eco-friendly materials can enhance living and learning spaces, inspiring the next generation to think critically about environmental stewardship. The project also fosters a sense of pride and ownership within the community, showcasing the transformative power of sustainable development in education.
Furthermore, this initiative highlights the practical benefits of hempcrete, such as improved air quality and acoustics, providing a healthier and more inspiring environment for the children to learn and create. It sets a precedent for other schools and institutions to adopt similar eco-conscious practices, gradually shifting community perspectives towards a greener and more sustainable future.
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 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 Concrete Structures: Hempcrete walls integrate effectively with concrete frameworks, making it a viable material for hybrid construction.
- Effortless Curves with Hempcrete: Casting a curved hempcrete wall was surprisingly easy, showcasing the material’s flexibility and suitability for creative designs.
UPVC Doors and Windows Integration: Hempcrete walls are compatible with UPVC doors and windows, providing a seamless and durable combination for modern construction.
Testimonials
I work on construction sites all the time, and carrying heavy bricks on my head is exhausting and painful. But carrying hemp hurds is a completely different experience—it’s so lightweight, it feels like carrying feathers! (translated in English)