
Location: Sermathang, Helambu, Nepal
Project Type: Commercial
Completion Date: 05/2019
Client: Mr. Gopal Lama
Yangrima Ecolodge showcases the ecological aspect of operating a sustainable business. This ecolodge focuses on minimum energy usage, recycling and waste management techniques.
They have used passive solar heating like double-glazed windows, solar for electricity and water heater. They harvest rainwater and recycle greywater reducing half of their freshwater consumption. Besides that, they grow their own organic vegetables and fruits and raise free-range chickens for eggs and grass-fed buffaloes for healthy milk.
Yangrima Eco-lodge showcases the integration of Hempcrete with RCC structural element. Consultation, On-site training and hempcrete building materials provided 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 hospitality space. It highlights the potential of Hempcrete in blending sustainability with functionality. More information on Yangrima Eco-Lodge.
Design & Features
Total Footprint Area: 2747 sq ft. (255 sq.m).
Total Volume of Hempcrete Installed: 5184 cu.ft. (147 cu.m).
Hempcrete Application: All external walls and ground floor insulation.
Structural Details:
- Bamboo skeleton for the walls, cast with hempcrete
- Lime plaster and natural lime paint finish for walls
- False flooring made with hemp shives and lime spray.
Other Materials:
- Wooden and UPVC doors and UPVC windows
- Wooden flooring
This innovative combination of hempcrete, lime, bamboo, and modern materials resulted in a facility that is environmentally friendly, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
Hempcrete Construction Timeline & Team
- Timeline: 6 months
- Labor: Local contractor, masons, workers, and carpenters were trained specifically for the project, gaining valuable skills in sustainable construction.
- Expert Supervision: Dhiraj K. Shah provided technical guidance and expertise throughout the project.
Community Impact
The project seamlessly combined traditional knowledge with modern techniques, fostering a sense of community pride and curiosity. The building teams and passersby were captivated by the construction process, and the remarkable thermal comfort inside the rooms during harsh winter temperatures exceeded expectations. This hempcrete construction has sparked increased interest in sustainable building practices throughout the region
Sustainable Benefits
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Hempcrete and lime plaster minimize the carbon footprint and create a healthier indoor environment.
- Thermal Comfort: The hempcrete walls regulate temperature, keeping the rooms naturally warm in winters even in extreme temperatures.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Natural lime paint and plaster eliminate 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.
Optimized Material Transportation: Efficient planning and optimization of raw material transportation are crucial for remote projects to minimize costs and improve overall efficiency.
UPVC Doors and Windows Integration: Hempcrete walls are compatible with UPVC doors and windows, providing a seamless and durable combination for modern construction.
Enhanced Thermal Efficiency: Creating a hempcrete envelope, including external walls and ground floor insulation, significantly improves the building’s thermal efficiency and reduces heat loss.
Ease of Adoption by Builders: Existing contractors and builders can easily learn and adapt to building with hempcrete, making it accessible and practical for widespread use.
Performance Graphs


Testimonials
“Even on a freezing night with snow falling outside, we slept comfortably with just a single light blanket.”
“In the mountains, during long prayer sessions when sitting on the floor, the walls are usually so cold that touching them is unbearable. But with hempcrete walls, it was completely different—comfortable and soothing to lean against.”
“The rooms at the lodge are incredibly comfortable.”