Our unique project to build homes out of hemp, and compare their performance to brick and block built houses, has become the focus of national and international attention.

Four identical houses have been built in Haverhill, Suffolk, two using hemp mixed with lime as the principal material, the others of brick and block construction.

Hemp is a natural product, it is environmentally friendly, produces no toxic by products and is fully recyclable. It is thermally efficient resulting in lower fuel costs. It absorbs sound and is non flammable.

The project has been studied by the Building Research Establishment to examine the sustainability, economic and environmental differences between the two construction methods. The study continued after the homes were occupied to see how they compared in terms of energy efficiency, insulation and comfort.

If the hemp homes fare better than the traditional building method it could have a significant impact on the future of the building industry.

The society has developed links with a French housing association, Hennebont OPC, which has also embarked on a hemp building project.

The project was prompted by the enthusiasm for hemp construction by local architect Ralph Carpenter who persuaded St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Suffolk Housing to undertake the project which is also being supported by the Housing Corporation. It has already received attention from the Hawaiian state congress, who sent its assistant floor leader to Suffolk on a fact finding visit, international and national media.

The project is being funded by the society and with grants from the Housing Corporation and St Edmundsbury Council.