Alex Sparrow works for one of only a handful of companies working with hempcrete in the UK and the only one to work with self-builders. Alex works on the strategic development of the company but still regularly takes the opportunity to get his hands dirty on the building sites. Beyond the day-job, he is also a freelance writer on natural building.William Stanwix is a qualified building surveyor and founder of a growing UK company which specialises in new build and restoration with hempcrete and other natural building materials. Along with ongoing construction projects, Will provides consultancy, technical design and training for people interested in building with hempcrete and other natural building materials.

This book provides clear guidance through its photos, text and sketches on all aspects of building with this ‘deep green’ material and takes our early work forward into the mainstream. It is a must-have for anyone planning to build with hempcrete, whether in renovation or new build projects.

• Foreword by Professor Tom WoolleyIntroductionPart One: Principles of building with hempcreteHistory and uses of hempHemp in constructionAn introduction to limeKey concepts in sustainable buildingGetting the basics rightVariations on the hemp–lime mixPerformance of hempcrete in a buildingTools and equipmentHealth and safetyPlanning the buildFocus on self-build 1: Agan ChyPart Two: Hempcrete constructionThe hempcrete wall: an overviewFoundations and plinthThe structural frameShutteringMixing hempcretePlacing hempcreteFloors, ceilings and roof insulationFinishes for hempcretePracticalities on a hempcrete buildRestoration and retrofitFocus on self-build 2: Hemp Lime HousePart Three: Designing a hempcrete buildingDesign fundamentalsIndicative detailingFocus on self-build 3: Bridge End CottageA look to the futureResources

Alex Sparrow works for one of only a handful of companies working with hempcrete in the UK and the only one to work with self-builders. Alex works on the strategic development of the company but still regularly takes the opportunity to get his hands dirty on the building sites. Beyond the day-job, he is also a freelance writer on natural building.William Stanwix is a qualified building surveyor and founder of a growing UK company which specialises in new build and restoration with hempcrete and other natural building materials. Along with ongoing construction projects, Will provides consultancy, technical design and training for people interested in building with hempcrete and other natural building materials.

This book provides clear guidance through its photos, text and sketches on all aspects of building with this ‘deep green’ material and takes our early work forward into the mainstream. It is a must-have for anyone planning to build with hempcrete, whether in renovation or new build projects.

• Foreword by Professor Tom WoolleyIntroductionPart One: Principles of building with hempcreteHistory and uses of hempHemp in constructionAn introduction to limeKey concepts in sustainable buildingGetting the basics rightVariations on the hemp–lime mixPerformance of hempcrete in a buildingTools and equipmentHealth and safetyPlanning the buildFocus on self-build 1: Agan ChyPart Two: Hempcrete constructionThe hempcrete wall: an overviewFoundations and plinthThe structural frameShutteringMixing hempcretePlacing hempcreteFloors, ceilings and roof insulationFinishes for hempcretePracticalities on a hempcrete buildRestoration and retrofitFocus on self-build 2: Hemp Lime HousePart Three: Designing a hempcrete buildingDesign fundamentalsIndicative detailingFocus on self-build 3: Bridge End CottageA look to the futureResources