Hemp. It’s one of those wonders of the world that every generation finds a new use for. Naturally, we don’t advise inhaling, but the many uses of hemp have widened from rope-making and clothing fibers to this newest usage, which has been making quite a splash in the U.K. construction industry.

Lhoist UK just released a new product called Hemcrete, an intriguing blend of hemp, water and lime. Hemcrete is an alternative to traditional concrete and has surprising (or maybe not so surprising) benefits over its conventional counterpart.

Sustainability
Like other plants, hemp collects carbon from the air and stores it within, while releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. The bonus here is that hemp takes in more carbon than the manufacturing of Hemcrete gives off, making it a carbon-neutral product.

Energy Efficient
Hemcrete, when installed as a wall fill-in, creates a large thermal mass which serves as advanced insulation. This means that when used properly in wall construction, no additional insulation needs to be added—which also means less labor and materials have to go into the project.

Superior Building Material
Hemcrete is just as beneficial to the contractor as it is to the homeowner over time. Since the product is lighter than traditional concrete, it makes projects run smoother and faster, reducing time and costs on any given jobsite.

Additionally, Hemcrete is vapor-permeable, so it will continually dry the wood that surrounds it, assuming it’s used in timber frame construction. By keeping moisture from penetrating the wood, Hemcrete essentially keeps the structure’s frame from rotting and deteriorating due to the elements, lengthening its longevity.

Most importantly, it means a hefty 80 percent in energy savings and a significant increase in the life of each individual bulb. The new LED 60-watt bulb can last up to 25 times longer while saving up to 32.6 terawatt hours of electricity across the United States each year. That amount alone is capable of powering the lights of 16.7 million households, or about 14.4 percent of the total number of households in the country.

For consumers looking for a clear indication of how the new compares to the old, it’s all in the numbers. A standard 60-watt bulb is rated at 1,000 hours. In comparison, the new LED light bulb is rated at 25,000 hours. This increase in the bulb’s lifetime can save a family over $120 per lamp. Businesses can reap similar benefits, along with significantly lower maintenance costs.

The new bulbs will be available in the 4th quarter of this year, but a retail price has yet to be decided on.

Saxe capitalized on the unique look and feel of the bamboo by using it to creating interesting patterns on the walls and ceiling. This also allowed for ample ventilation to make lounging comfortable.

A steel framework means the structure can withstand the elements, and burlap added over the top boosts shade and security. With a primarily open floor plan, two distinct modules were created and connected by a courtyard— one for the living area and one for the kitchen.

While this is a clear upgrade from his mother’s original home constructed from tree trunks and mosquito nets, the intention and thought process was largely the same: create a structure that fully integrates the outdoors with the indoors. It may not work in just any location, but in the Costa Rican jungle, it looks like it has been there all along.

Links: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/05/son-designs-bamboo-house-for-mom-costa-rica.php