A Glimpse into the Future of Regenerative Living: Inside an Off-Grid Hempcrete Shed Home in Hartley Vale
Premiered 16 May 2025 — Season 3, Episode 3 of Hempcrete in Australia
Location: Hartley Vale, NSW
Watch the full episode below.
In the latest episode of Hempcrete in Australia, we head to the picturesque Hartley Vale region in New South Wales to explore a truly inspiring example of sustainable architecture—a fully off-grid hempcrete shed that’s redefining what’s possible in natural building. Hosted by Jeremy from Environmentarian, this episode features an in-depth conversation with James Isaacs, a seasoned builder and the director of Belubula Hemp Homes.
“Building with hempcrete just makes sense,” says James. “It’s breathable, fire-resistant, insulating—and when you build it right, you don’t need to rely on artificial heating or cooling.”
James brings over 15 years of experience working with hempcrete, and in this episode, he shares the practical wisdom and philosophy behind this stunning shed home that functions as both a workspace and a real-life case study in regenerative design.
Key Highlights from the Episode
Cast-In-Situ Hempcrete at Its Best
The shed showcases cast-in-situ hempcrete, a building technique where the hemp and lime mixture is poured and packed between formwork directly on-site. This method allows for seamless integration of insulation and structure, resulting in superior thermal mass and airtightness. James explains how this approach not only locks in carbon but also creates a breathable, toxin-free living environment.
Passive Solar Design
The building is carefully oriented and designed to capture winter sun while providing ample shade in the summer. Large windows, thermal mass floors, and well-considered overhangs all contribute to maintaining a stable internal temperature year-round without the need for conventional heating or cooling.
Off-Grid Infrastructure
This shed isn’t just green in materials—it’s fully off-grid.
- Solar-powered systems provide electricity for tools and lighting.
- Gravity-fed rainwater tanks supply clean water.
- Electric vehicle charging is integrated for complete fossil-fuel independence.
These systems demonstrate how a small, well-designed building can function autonomously without sacrificing comfort or performance.
More Than a Shed
Although it’s referred to as a “shed,” this structure feels more like a minimalist eco-home—warm, stylish, and intelligently designed. As James explains, this project embodies a commitment to low-carbon living while showing that natural materials and modern life can coexist beautifully.
Designed for Australian Climates
Built to thrive in Australia’s unique conditions, the shed uses locally sourced materials and is engineered to withstand both the heat and cold fluctuations of the Central Tablelands. From bushfire resilience to moisture management, every detail has been thought through.
Why This Project Matters
This Hartley Vale hempcrete shed home is more than just a building…it’s a proof of concept for a regenerative future. As James notes, hempcrete isn’t just a wall material; it’s a tool for shifting how we live, build, and impact the environment. With growing interest in natural building, off-grid living, and carbon-conscious construction, this episode is a must-watch for builders, designers, and eco-curious individuals alike.
Watch the full episode below and subscribe to follow more real-world hempcrete projects around Australia.
Belubula Hemp Homes
Learn more about James Isaacs’ work and projects at Belubula Hemp Homes
Environmentarian & The Hemp Building Directory
Visit hempbuilding.au to explore resources, projects, and upcoming events related to hemp construction in Australia.
#NaturalBuilding #OffGridLiving #HempcreteAustralia #RegenerativeArchitecture #SustainableBuilding #HempBuildingDirectory
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