Hempcrete façade element

These façade elements are manufactured from hempcrete, a biobased composite material composed of hemp shiv and a lime-based binder. The system is designed to combine building performance with ecological considerations, integrating thermal efficiency and moisture regulation with features that support urban biodiversity.

Hempcrete is characterised by its thermal insulation capacity, vapour permeability and relatively low environmental impact compared to conventional façade materials. During its lifecycle, the material absorbs and stores CO₂ through the carbonation of lime and the biogenic carbon content of hemp. In addition, the cultivation of hemp can contribute to reduced nitrogen inputs and support agricultural biodiversity. These properties position hempcrete as an alternative façade solution within low-impact and bio-based construction strategies.

The façade elements are designed to function as more than a protective building envelope. Integrated niches, cavities and recessed areas provide habitats for birds, bats and insects. Green zones incorporated into the façade support local plant species, while built-in nesting boxes and insect habitats encourage biodiversity within urban environments. Through these integrated features, the façade contributes to ecological processes alongside its architectural function.

By combining material performance with habitat integration, the system demonstrates an approach in which buildings can contribute to ecological resilience within densely built contexts. The façade elements illustrate how bio-based materials can be applied in architecture to address both environmental performance and biodiversity objectives.