A Hands-On Hemp Build in Progress

Getting It Done: A Hands-On Hemp Build in Progress

Contributor: Kris Heather
Location: Not specified
Build Size: 75 sqm
Wall Completion: ~85%

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of watching walls rise — especially when those walls are hempcrete. For rising contributor on the Hemp Building Facebook page Kris Heather, the past two weeks have been an intensive sprint towards completing a small but ambitious hempcrete build. At around 75 square metres, it might sound modest on paper, but as any builder will tell you, scale doesn’t always correlate with effort.

“It’s only 75sqm, so not a large build — but it’s been a LOT of work,” Kris shared.

Scope of the Build

The project focuses on infill-only hempcrete installation across three rooms on the ground floor. While the structure itself was already standing, the natural infill process brought its own challenges — managing materials, formwork, and coordination through changing weather conditions.

Approximately 85% of the walling has now been completed, with just the final (and reportedly most challenging) stretch ahead.

Material Notes

A keen eye might notice the patchwork appearance of the walls in progress. Kris explains this isn’t an error, but a natural outcome of working with locally sourced sands. The varying colours come from the different sand types used in the mixes. However, these tonal shifts are only temporary — the entire wall will eventually be rendered with clay, offering a consistent finish and breathability.

Also of note: the woven bamboo visible in the build photos. These are not part of the final construction but are repurposed offcuts from the upper roof build, used as temporary protective elements during the walling phase. It’s a great example of thoughtful reuse and material efficiency — a hallmark of natural building approaches.

Kris also points out the white streaks seen in some sections — these are lime shakes, applied between workdays to help protect fresh work and maintain wall integrity during curing.

Working with the Frame

One clever detail that made a difference in the workflow: the exposed timber uprights. Not only do they currently offer a great visual contrast against the hempcrete, but they also made formwork placement and packing significantly easier. This exposed frame approach is a practical win during the build phase — however, the timbers will eventually be covered by the final clay render for a smooth, unified wall finish.

It’s a reminder that some of the most helpful elements in a natural build are temporary by design — serving their purpose before being sealed into the structure’s fabric.

Reflections on the Process

The build has clearly taken its toll — as any hands-on hempcrete project will. In Kris’s own words:

“So happy it’s almost over ???? but the last bit is going to be the worst!”

This honesty is refreshing — and resonates with the many DIY builders and professionals who know the grind of sustainable construction. From mixing and packing to staging and cleanup, it’s a labour-intensive process that demands patience, attention, and muscle.

Takeaways for the Community

Smaller builds are still big work: Don’t underestimate what 75sqm of hempcrete involves — especially when working room-by-room with infill-only strategies.
Exposed uprights can speed things up: Leaving timbers exposed during the build can simplify formwork and offer temporary aesthetic appeal — even if they’re eventually rendered over.
Colour variation is natural: Using local sands can result in different tones in your hempcrete mix. Clay rendering later creates a unified finish.
Reused materials can serve temporary roles: Offcuts like woven bamboo can be repurposed creatively during the build.
Pacing matters: Spacing out workdays and protecting freshly packed walls with lime shakes is a smart move, especially when humidity or temperature fluctuations are in play.

Final Word

Projects like this are a reminder that hemp building is both art and endurance. It’s inspiring to see individuals like Kris pushing through the challenges with a smile (and a bit of exhausted laughter). We’re looking forward to seeing the finished results once rendering is complete.

If you’re working on a hemp project of your own — big or small — don’t forget to document the details. Your experiences help grow the collective knowledge of this evolving industry.