In focus: Balanced earth hemp building co.

I’m continuously inspired by hemp building companies and one in particular I’ve always thought is awesome, Balanced Earth Building co. based in Byron Bay Australia. Self described as a progressive team of builders and designers who recognise the impact of materials and construction methods on a building and it’s inhabitants.
Specialising in hempcrete and reclaimed hardwood, we bring creative solutions with sensible costs to all of our projects. I sent them four quick questions about hemp building which they kindly responded to.

1. What made you decide to commit to starting a hemp building company, what inspired you to do so.

Before Balanced Earth was formed, we built a small prototype home called Sky Farm for Michael Leung, who would become a BE co-founder. We found the process to be straightforward and the properties of Hempcrete to perfectly suit our region of Australia, where we need great insulation to protects us from the intense summer heat but also breathability to allow the subtropical humidity to pass through the walls instead of building up and creating unhealthy, damp spaces. The success of Sky Farm couldn’t stop there, we knew we have to pursue hempcrete further and offer it to others looking for a healthy alternative to the standard building products available on the market. Thus Balanced Earth was formed.

2. Has sourcing hemp shiv locally been a problem in your country and if so have you seen it becoming easier as the industry grows?

We have been incredibly lucky that a farmer in our state has decided to grow and process commercial hemp. We have been able to use locally sourced hemp hurd from our very first project and are proud to have been able to support local and avoid the embodied energy in importing a product from Europe or elsewhere.

3. What method of building with hemp do you prefer and why? (Prefabricated blocks, sprayed, stamped in forms etc…)

We are running tests on prefabricated panels and blocks but have only used the standard formwork process on our projects.

4. Which other countries or companies do you look for inspiration when it comes to hemp building and why?

We have a great relationship with Hempitecture in the USA. Mattie is an inspiring legend, carving his own path in a re-emerging industry.

Visit www.balancedearth.co for more inspiration

In focus: Balanced earth hemp building co.

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