Design sustainably
with hempcrete

Marginally more than bricks, Respira Blocks start at $100 x m2 for smaller orders.

Here are a few considerations regarding the thermal performance of hempcrete.
Post-occupancy, Hempcrete consistently outperforms other insulative materials of similar R-Values.

This is due to several factors; Natural materials diffuse moisture far quicker and more efficiently than synthetic materials. In fact, standard batts can hold moisture indefinitely if installed moist. And moist materials plummet in actual R-Value.

The passive moisture management properties of Hempcrete manage and pull moisture from the internal living environment, reducing stuffiness and combating Sick Building Syndrome.

The dynamic effect of Hempcrete insulative and thermal mass properties isn't fully captured within an R-Value rating. A wall is only as insulative as its weakest point. A hempcrete wall has no thermal breaks. In Fact you can achieve passive house standard airtightness with a hempcrete building envelope.

To read more about this; we recommend a great write-up we did on our cast hemp installation business regarding Hempcrete's use in a week long comparative heatwave test here

Electrical and Plumbing can be installed within the stud frame just like with standard construction

There is no requirement for a breather gap between stud and block work. Blocks are brick tied directly to frame.

‍A. 1 layer = 80mm/120mm Respira Blocks  + 90mm + internal lining

‍B. 2 layers = 80mm/120mm Respira Blocks + 90mm + 80mm/120mm Respira Blocks

You can drill through the blocks and into the stud frame. It is always a good idea to take a photo of the frame before laying the blocks so that you can locate the studs at a later stage.
If you are requiring a fixing point for very heavy items like overhead kitchen cabinets it’s best to have a timber batten installed which sits flush with the internal line of the wall. Due to their density, RespiraBlocks can be cut easily to form around fixing battens.

A lime or Clay render. A natural render on a Hempcrete wall allows you to close down the surface for cleaning and heavy traffic. Rendering also allows you to achieve an aritightness suitable for PassivHaus standards, whilst also maintaining the vapour open of the wall.

Lime render itself is also booming in demand in Australia, even outside of the Hempcrete world, due to its unique and stunning natural tones, textures and finish. We invite you to have a quick look at the work of our preffered producer Lime Mineral Fox.

Hempcrete as a material resists fire for over 90 minutes, giving it the highest rating of FZ (firezone). You will have to check with the surveyor if they require any further information or if a performance solution is required.