West Midlands
​
Hemp Conversion

The design of the home utilises the existing concrete frame and footprint of the barn, and this, along with strategic landscaping, embeds the conversion into the site, minimising its visual impact on the surrounding area. Drawing inspiration from the existing textures and forms of the site, our design ethos embraces agricultural heritage while prioritising environmental sustainability. In keeping with the barn’s agricultural identity, the roof and high-level walls will be clad in corrugated panels. These will be made of hemp to provide a natural and environmentally-conscious alternative to conventional steel cladding. A lime render will be applied to the lower parts of the walls to mimic the existing style of the barn, whilst protecting the base of the walls.

The proposal also draws on the multiple benefits of hempcrete, using it as the principle building component for the walls, ceilings and floors. Hempcrete is produced by mixing the stem of the hemp plant (shiv) with a lime-based mortar, creating a material that can be cast into molds. This forms a non-load bearing, sustainable, breathable insulating material for use in wall, floor, and roof insulation. Hempcrete is a natural, “better-than-zero-carbon” material that locks away more atmospheric carbon in the material for the lifetime of the building than is used in its production and use.