Hands-On Hempcrete Workshop: Build With the Future of Sustainable Construction
Learn to Work with Hempcrete and Take Home a Handcrafted Hemp Dog House!
Join iHemp Michigan for a FREE family-friendly workshop where you’ll get your hands dirty with one of the most exciting sustainable building materials on the planet.
Event Details
đź“… Date: Saturday, April 30th
🕚 Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
đź“Ť Location: Grow Green MI 10505 Plaza Drive Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
đźš— Directions: Head north off M-36 on Plaza Drive to the end. Event Center on right, door near the FedEx truck.
đź’° Cost: FREE to attend!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages welcome – This is a family-friendly event!
Big thanks to Grow Green MI for providing the space!
What Is Hempcrete?
Hempcrete is a revolutionary bio-composite building material made from the woody inner core of the hemp plant (called hemp hurd) mixed with a lime-based binder and water. Unlike traditional concrete, hempcrete is:
- Lightweight – Easier to work with than conventional building materials
- Breathable – Naturally regulates moisture for healthier indoor environments
- Carbon-Negative – Absorbs more CO2 than it produces during manufacturing
- Fire-Resistant – Provides exceptional protection when finished with lime plaster
- Pest-Resistant – Bugs and rodents don’t like it
- Excellent Insulation – R-2 per inch with superior thermal mass properties
A Historic Milestone for Hemp Building
Hempcrete was officially approved for inclusion in the U.S. International Residential Code (IRC) as “Appendix BA” in 2024. This landmark achievement makes it significantly easier for building departments to review and permit hempcrete projects across most U.S. states.
This approval recognizes hempcrete as a non-structural wall infill system—a major step forward for sustainable construction in America.
What You’ll Learn at This Workshop
This hands-on workshop gives you the opportunity to:
✅ Mix hempcrete – Learn the proper ratios of hemp hurd, lime binder, and water
✅ Understand the materials – See and feel the difference between quality hemp hurd and what to avoid (dust content, fiber percentage, consistency)
✅ Apply hempcrete – Get practical experience working with this unique material
✅ Ask questions – Connect with experienced hemp builders and enthusiasts
✅ Take home a handcrafted hemp dog house – One lucky participant will walk away with a functional hempcrete creation!
Whether you’re a builder curious about sustainable alternatives, a homeowner dreaming of a hemp-built addition, or simply someone who wants to understand what all the excitement is about—this workshop is for you.
Why Hempcrete Matters for Michigan
Michigan is positioned to become a leader in hemp building materials, but we need to build the knowledge base and skilled workforce to make it happen. Workshops like this one are essential for:
- Educating builders and tradespeople on hempcrete techniques
- Demonstrating feasibility to homeowners and developers
- Building demand for Michigan-grown and processed hemp hurd
- Creating momentum for local processing infrastructure
Currently, Michigan lacks operational hemp fiber processors—but that’s changing. The more people who understand and advocate for hempcrete, the faster we’ll develop the supply chain to make Michigan-grown hemp building materials a reality.
The Benefits of Building with Hempcrete
Thermal Mass Advantage
Unlike spray foam insulation (which may have a higher R-value on paper), hempcrete offers thermal mass—the ability to store and slowly release thermal energy. This means:
- Your walls capture solar heat during the day
- Heat dissipates slowly, naturally regulating indoor temperature
- Less energy needed for heating and cooling
- More comfortable living environment year-round
Long-Term Cost Savings
While hempcrete may cost 10-12% more upfront than traditional construction, the performance benefits create a crossover point—typically within five years—where hempcrete ownership becomes the more economical choice through energy savings.
Health and Indoor Air Quality
Hempcrete is breathable, which means it:
- Regulates humidity naturally
- Reduces risk of mold growth
- Creates healthier indoor air quality
- Eliminates the “sealed box” effect of conventional insulation
Environmental Impact
Building with hempcrete actively fights climate change:
- Hemp absorbs CO2 as it grows
- The lime binder continues absorbing CO2 as it cures
- Long-lasting structures keep carbon locked away for decades
- Reduces reliance on carbon-intensive materials like concrete and foam
What to Expect
This is a working workshop—come prepared to participate! We recommend:
- Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Closed-toe shoes
- Work gloves (we’ll have some available)
- Curiosity and questions!
Light refreshments will be available, but feel free to bring snacks for your family.
The Growing Hemp Building Movement
iHemp Michigan is proud to be part of the growing hemp building movement. We’ve hosted successful hemp-lime workshops that have brought together diverse groups united by one goal: understanding the potential of building with hempcrete.
We’re also actively engaged with the US Hemp Building Association (USHBA), which is working to:
- Establish ASTM testing standards for hemp hurd quality
- Develop best practices for hempcrete construction
- Advance code acceptance for hemp building materials
- Conduct comparative testing to quantify hempcrete’s performance advantages
The USHBA successfully advocated for hempcrete’s inclusion in the IRC—and they’re just getting started.
Can’t Make This Workshop?
If you can’t attend on April 30th, stay connected with iHemp Michigan for future hemp building events, educational content, and advocacy updates.
Join iHemp Michigan at iHempMichigan.com – Membership is just $100/year and supports our mission to educate, inform, and promote the development of industrial hemp in Michigan.
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming workshops, legislative developments, and industry news.
Register Your Interest
While this event is free and open to all, we’d love to know you’re coming! Drop us a line at growers@ihempmichigan.com or call 810-202-8480 to let us know you’ll be there.
The Future Is Hemp-Built
From backyard dog houses to full residential homes, hempcrete is proving that sustainable building doesn’t mean sacrificing performance or durability. In fact, hempcrete structures often outperform conventional construction in real-world conditions.
This workshop is your chance to experience it firsthand—to feel the material in your hands, understand the process, and imagine the possibilities.
See you on April 30th!
Growing the future from seeds of the past.
iHemp Michigan | iHempMichigan.com | growers@ihempmichigan.com | 810-202-8480
Quick Facts: Hempcrete at a Glance
|
Property |
Hempcrete Benefit |
|
R-Value |
~R-2 per inch |
|
Fire Resistance |
Excellent (with lime plaster finish) |
|
Pest Resistance |
Bugs and rodents avoid it |
|
Carbon Footprint |
Carbon-negative |
|
Moisture Regulation |
Naturally breathable |
|
Building Code Status |
IRC Appendix BA (2024) |
|
Typical Wall Thickness |
9-12 inches for residential |
|
Load-Bearing |
No (non-structural infill) |
|
Lifespan |
100+ years with proper maintenance |