The Attributes of the Material

Very light and easy to use, incredibly versatile, hempcrete can be employed in both coverings and linings, as an insulator. It not only has good thermal attributes but also regulates the humidity of the air around it — in other words, it makes the space cooler and more pleasant. Acoustically efficient, fire-resistant, resilient to wear and tear... And we haven't even started talking about the environmental attributes.

• Thermal comfort — According to recent research, hempcrete is more than an excellent thermal insulator, with much lower heat conductivity than common concrete and other more sustainable materials. Additionally, it is capable of assisting in regulating the humidity of the environment, keeping the air around the walls cool and subtly humid. Given this characteristic and its good thermal inertia, it improves thermal comfort in both heat and cold, in both drought and rain.
• Energy efficiency — The characteristics described above and the breathability of the material allow for building spaces that do not require heating in winter and cooling in summer, saving energy.
• Acoustic comfort — Hemp shives are good acoustic insulators. Even a thin panel, which is very light, greatly reduces the discomfort caused by noise. In tests, sound absorption varied between 0.24 and 0.53, depending on the frequency.
• Mechanical properties — Although hempcrete is not suitable for structuring a tall construction, its characteristics make it a resistant material, capable of having great durability in difficult situations. It is not rigid — it can accommodate movements, which is useful in regions where there are seismic shocks. Even so, it does not bend: its resistance to flexion is equivalent to blocks of gypsum or concrete.
• Lightness — Very light and resistant, Hemp shives result in a material that is easy to handle and practical to use.
• Multiple resistances — The material showed excellent performance in resistance to fires and termites.
• Versatility — The fact that it can be sprayed or molded on-site opens up multiple opportunities to invent new ways to use Hemp.
• Contraindications — Hempcrete is not recommended in freezing areas — the cycle of freezing and thawing can compromise its durability. It is also not recommended to use it excessively exposed to moisture. Although it is self-supporting for constructions of up to two floors, it is not indicated for structural use beyond that.

Source: Ansari H, Tabish M, Zaheer M. “A comprehensive review on the properties of hemp incorporated concrete: An approach to low carbon footprint construction”. 2025.