Millfield - a hempcrete and timber framed house build.

Attractive unique modern design allows lots of internal space and an evironmentally friendly construction.
This is an environmentally friendly method of building, using Hemp, a tall annual plant grown for its fibre (nothing to do with drugs) and a lime based binder; all produced in the United Kingdom.
The dry hemp stalks (shiv) are cut into suitable lengths and cleaned ready for use. On site the hemp is mixed with a lime based cement before packing into shuttering against the timber frame. When the hempcrete is partially cured the external shuttering is removed.
- The advantages of using hemp and lime cement -
- Only a fraction of the energy is used compared to conventional building methods.
- The hempcrete is highly insulating, a 300ml. wall will give a U value of app. 0.2, therefore no more insulation is necessary.
- A hempcrete wall is airtight, achieving below 2.0 cubic meters per square meter per hour @ 50 Pascal of pressure.
- Hempcrete locks away CO2 within its construction. Approx. 40kg. of CO2 per meter square of wall.
- The hempcrete wall can be rendered immediately onto its surface using lime render or have a timber, brick or stone exterior cladding built against it.
- Hempcrete gives a good sound barrier for internal walls.
- Hempcrete is not able to take heavy loads so it fits well into a timber frame construction.
- Hempcrete is resistant to rodents, mould and fungus, it withstands fire, easily conforming to current building regulations.
Place cursor on thumbnail images to see full size images of the house build.


Foundation slab and footings - unusually shaped.


Timber frame panels and supporting steel erection begins.


The timber frame and steel structure is soon erected and secured.


Floor joists are used to support the roof due to there strength and other factors such as depth of insulation possible and ability to support a green roof.


Roof lights and access to the roof area.


Preparations for building the hemp and lime cement (Hempcrete) outer skin are made.


Battens are secured to the outside of the hempcrete and the upper walls are clad in timber.


The completed roof lights - note the depth of the roof structure.


The depth of the walls can be seen in this angular window reveal.

