Building with Hemp Block is Lego for Adults!

Hemp blocks are life-scale and made from a sustainable material called hempcrete (Very unlike it’s small plastic counterpart!)

Hempcrete is essentially a mixture comprised of hemp herd (the inner core of the hemp plant) and natural lime. Hemp is rapidly renewable resource. In fact, hemp grows so quickly that it can be harvested in just 90 days, unlike with traditional lumber where a tree can take 20+ years to reach maturity. Lime is also far more environmentally friendly than concrete, it re-absorbs the CO2 that was released when it was being manufactured. Additionally, hemp sequesters 1.6x its weight in CO2 wile the plant is growing.

Between the CO2 absorbed by the hemp as it grows, and the lime re-absorbing the CO2 during production it is considered a carbon-negative material. It even exceeds the passive house standards for energy consumption.

In addition to its environmental benefits, building with hemp block is easier and more practical to work with than traditional concrete or hempcrete because you don’t need to wait for it to dry.

The hemp and lime mixture is cast around a structural frame, giving it the load bearing capacity of high performance concrete. Hemp block has all the benefits of a concrete wall, but with half the weight, 10x the insulation value, and absolutely no VOCs.

Each block weighs only 25 lbs, and stack and interlock together making it fast and easy product to work with. Unlike traditional masonry, hemp blocks are self-leveling, just stack up the wall and its ready to go!

Additionally, each block has pre-cast conduit holes every 5.3” to make it easy to run electrical while you stack. This product contains no sand, so it can be easily cut onsite with a band or reciprocating saw.

Hemp block prices similarly to conventional building materials but has far superior performance. This modular building block is a great insulator and has a 2hr + fire rating that maintains 100% of its structural integrity.

We’re excited to start using this building block in upcoming projects. Take a look at this video to see how it works!

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Living Shelter has been a pleasure to work with on our campaign project. It was clear that they really worked to create a project that was purpose built to our needs, and from a fundraising standpoint, they are always incredibly responsive to updating renderings and drawings that we've needed for donor meetings.”

—Mike Ritter, Capital Manager, Pasado's Safe Haven

“Our experience in working with Terry Phelan was exceptional! Her talents go far beyond what you would expect from a traditional architect. She has a team that truly listens to your goals, and makes them happen! In doing so, they will surprise you with unexpected spaces that impart a very comfortable feel, usually only found in older homes. In addition to designing our primary residence, the Living Shelter team also helped us with conceptual drawings for a coastal property (future build). That was a very fun project, and shows their flexibility to work with various situations. Creative, knowledgeable, professional and a joy to work with - highly recommend!”

—Michele Scaglia, Client

“We can't recommend Living Shelter highly enough. From our initial dreaming, through concept and design, and on into construction, Terry and the LS team were collaborative and creative -- committed to making our new home sustainable, livable, and beautiful. They helped us a create a healthy home that fits the site and our lifestyle.”

—Mary Huycke, Client

“I worked with Living Shelter Design to design and construct my new home in the mountains near Mt Adams in Washington. Their whole team was fantastic to work with! The design ideas presented creatively addressed my aesthetic and space needs, while also fitting within the available budget. Their flexible approach to developing the design made me feel confident that I could build the house of my dreams. The Living Shelter team was also there during construction to help assist the builder and provide the backup support to address all snafus that invariably arise while building a new home. They were so responsive and got the job done for me!”

—Kim Gilmer, Client

“As an interior designer, I have had the pleasure of working with Terry and the Living Shelter team on many projects. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable about sustainable building, and genuinely wonderful people. I highly recommend them!”

—Sandy Campbell, Entero Design

“Terry Phelan is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of her buildings, and her work in load bearing straw bale structures is exceptional.”

—Habib John Gonzalez, Director of Sustainable Works

“Did we tell you we love the plans? We do! You really worked magic. Thanks a lot. We are REALLY happy.”

—Judi and Scott Nicolai

“Terry has consistently demonstrated the rare combination of tenacity, caring, and professionalism throughout.”

—Jane Bakken and Jack Fecker