Wall Types – How to Build

Hempcrete blocks are a quick and easy solution for solid wall insulation. The blocks can be laid to either follow the contours of existing walls or straighten them up. For historic properties the blocks can easily be shaped with a rasp float to curve into timbers or create rounded edges.

Coupling hempcrete blocks with wood fibre boards improves the U-value to the point where Passive Haus standards are achievable. The benefit Hempcrete blocks bring to this kind of construction is the solid feeling that masonry provides, thermal mass and the ability to passively regulate internal humidity. Services can be chased into the blocks or run within the frame studs.

Hempcrete blocks are an obvious choice to use with sprayed or wet cast hempcrete. Using them on the internal side of the wall means the inside work can continue in the dry whilst the sprayed or wet cast hempcrete is applied externally. Drying times are also dramatically reduced compared to cast or sprayed hempcrete alone. Services can be chased into the blocks or run within the frame studs.

This is an extremely quick method of construction owing to its simple detailing. Portal timber frames are prefabricated off-site and erected very quickly, installation of the large hempcrete blocks is also very quick due to their sheer size. An insulating mortar is used to avoid cold bridges through the wall.

Hempcrete block internal and external leaf with the stud zone filled with flexible insulation such as hemp fibre or wood fibre batts.

A very simple wall build up which can be externally finished with timber or masonry cladding. The depth of stud and the thickness of block can be varied to suit the brief. This build up combines the speed of timber frame construction with the solid feel of masonry hempcrete blocks.