The buildings constructed from #cannabis

Francesca Perry, 18 June 2023

Excerpt: "In search of #sustainable materials, architects are turning to an unusual source: #hemp.

"Surrounded by verdant fields, Flat House, which sits on a farm in Cambridgeshire, the UK, looks like a typical barn conversion. But inside, the look and feel of the building immediately make you realise this is something quite different. 'The walls remind me of hay bale dens we used to make as kids,' says Flat House's owner Gemma Barron. 'It has the most lovely acoustic quality. And last year we had the heating off for 24 hours in mid-winter and it stayed warm.'

"What makes this bright, airy and comfortable home unusual is the material used to build it: hemp. While we may be more familiar with the cannabis plant's association with the psychoactive substance cannabis, and its use in health supplements and textiles, hemp is rapidly becoming a sought-after sustainable construction material.

"The fast-growing plant is a renewable resource, with carbon-capturing properties. When used in building, it typically takes the form of 'hempcrete' (also known as lime hemp concrete), a sturdy material made by mixing #HempHurd – the woody core of the plant – with a binder made from water and lime. Hempcrete has a high thermal mass, making it an ideal insulation material which improves the energy efficiency of buildings and reduces greenhouse gas emissions over time. It also continues to absorb carbon over its lifespan.

"Sustainable materials are in high demand as the construction industry seeks to decarbonise. Buildings and construction are responsible for approximately 37% of energy and process-related global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This is due to the industry's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, including carbon-intensive materials such as concrete, steel and glass, as well as the greenhouse gases emitted in heating and cooling our buildings."

Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230614-the-buildings-constructed-from-cannabis

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingWithHemp
#HempFiberboard #Hempcrete #HempIsTheFuture #HempBan #BuildingForClimateChange #SustainableMaterials #SustainableBuilding

[Academic Paywall] Can Smart #Technology and #TraditionalWisdom Craft Truly #Sustainable Built Environments?

Building and Environment
Volume 267, Part B, 1 January 2025, Christina Priavolou

"The built environment significantly impacts global resource consumption and energy usage, accounting for 40 % of annual utilisation. Within this substantial ecological footprint lies the potential for transformation towards sustainability. By channeling insights from traditional practices and synthesising them with academic research, this article presents an innovative approach aiming to create built environments that are both technologically smart and deeply rooted in local wisdom.

Built environment developments often result in structures that stand as isolated entities, disconnected from their surroundings. Instead of endorsing standalone structures, this article advocates for collective actions that respect local elements. At its core, it seeks to leverage the rich insights from traditional knowledge and combine them with academic scholarship, acknowledging the contribution of traditional wisdom in addressing local needs and identities. The primary focus is on exploring how structures within the built environment can be crafted to provide both smart and context-appropriate responses to the imperative of sustainability.

The advent of Industry 4.0 technologies like Building Information Modeling and laser scanning has revolutionised the construction industry by optimising material use, energy consumption and aligning construction processes with sustainable design principles. In response to the impending Industry 4.0 revolution and the advent of such digital technologies, it becomes increasingly evident that addressing environmental concerns requires more than just smart solutions . In that respect, it is acknowledged that the built environment is a complex interplay of aesthetics, technology, environmental considerations, and societal intricacies, necessitating a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to tackle such challenges comprehensively.

Drawing from historical architectural records and built environment planning doctrines, which emphasise the importance of creating meaningful, sustainable spaces in harmony with local contexts, this approach aims to bridge the gap between globalised patterns and traditional wisdom. The #vernacular field, coined by Illich, encapsulates the essence of local wisdom, needs, and identities. The growing interest in vernacular architecture underscores its significant environmental value and ability to foster diversity linked to local climate, landscape, materials, and way of life. Moreover, previous studies have shown that integrating traditional construction techniques can offer unique solutions to contemporary sustainability challenges. For instance, Hamard et al. demonstrated how natural building materials such as cob and straw, when combined with passive design strategies, can reduce building energy consumption by up to 50 % depending on climate conditions and design features. Similarly, Nguyen et al. highlighted the adaptability of vernacular architecture in response to local climate conditions, demonstrating its potential to improve energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling loads by 30–60 %. Ozorhon and Ozorhon [10] have also stressed the importance of actively engaging local communities in preserving cultural heritage, which fosters community ownership and resilience, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and socially cohesive outcomes.

Ιn response to pressing global environmental challenges and events, such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, this article seeks to trigger discussions for timely and holistic solutions to built environment challenges, reflecting local contexts while aligning with global sustainability goals. It seeks to enrich our understanding of how the integration of modern technology with traditional knowledge can lead to more sustainable, resilient, and community-focused built environments. This study delves into three key themes: holistic planning with traditional insights, the role of technology and multidisciplinary approaches, and the need for resilient and community-centric solutions.

Through two exploratory case studies in Greece, the article illustrates how applying these themes can create sustainable and contextually appropriate built environments while discussing the concept of convivial construction and its implications for fostering inclusive and sustainable built environments."

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132324010473

#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalTechnology #SolarPunk #sustainability #Vernacular #ClimateChangeAdaptation #BuildingForClimateChange #LookToThePast #BuildForTheFuture

Not what I would call "affordable housing," but it is a good model for housing developments! The developers have even included green space in their design!

Residents have almost no energy bills in this self-powered #AnnArbor neighborhood

By Jennifer Eberbach, Sep. 07, 2025,

ANN ARBOR, MI — "As more people move in and construction continues at a new Ann Arbor housing development, project representatives hope it will serve as a model for clean, net-zero energy living across Michigan.

"Veridian at County Farm on Platt Road next to County Farm Park is all-electric, featuring rooftop solar panels arrays, battery energy storage systems, geothermal and electric heat pumps. Homes in the development also come with induction cooking, electric vehicle-ready charging, and all-electric appliances.

"It has been a passion project for Ann Arbor and Detroit-based Thrive Collaborative CEO Matt Grocoff, a sustainable real estate developer who set out to build a community that could be completely powered by renewable energy and fossil fuel-free.

" 'We said, not only is all-electric possible but it is absolutely necessary in order to fulfill the clean energy transition,' Grocoff said. 'You can’t have a clean transition if you are still burning (#FossilFuels).'

"Once completed, Veridian at County Farm will feature 170 for-sale flats and townhouses of different styles. Of the 32 units that are finished, 31 are occupied as work progresses.

"The development has a mix of less expensive studio flats priced in the $250,000-$260,000 range, townhomes priced at over $1 million, and other units priced in between, according to Grocoff.

"No matter the price point, every homeowner gets #solar, #geothermal and intelligent #BatteryStorage systems, which Grocoff said drastically cut energy costs and provides energy #resilience, like during power outages.

" 'Most residents have close to zero or negative energy bills,' Grocoff said.
Saleema Waraick has seen savings since moving into her home in the development. Energy use charges on her DTE bills have been about $1-2 a month.
'I wish more people had the opportunity to live according to their values,' Waraick said.

"As an associate professor of art history at Skidmore College in New York, she weaves issues of climate change and environmental justice into some of her lessons. Growing up in California with family in Pakistan, Waraick has long been aware of how climate crisis has impacted those communities, she said.

"Before moving to Veridian, she lived nearby and watched its progress. She was impressed by the developer’s passion for environmentalism.

" 'The other thing, which ties into something I care about, is how thoughtful, conscientious they are with the landscaping they are doing,' she said. 'They are thinking of this as land to return to native flora and fauna. They are looking to create these nice habitats throughout our community where native species will live, and I think that’s a beautiful vision.'

"Tiffany Ng, another resident, volunteers for Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation, helping to remove invasive plant species from Kuebler Langford Nature Area and other city parks.

" 'During my home search, I was often anxious that I’d end up in a development that uses water-guzzling turf grass and non-native plants that don’t support our local ecosystems,' Ng, an associate professor of music and a carillonist at the University of Michigan, said in an email.
'So personally, I anticipate feeling relief and reassurance every time I come home and see Veridian’s native plant landscaping, which makes us more flood-resilient and will support more wildlife and #biodiversity,' she said.

Read more:
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2025/09/residents-have-almost-no-energy-bills-in-this-self-powered-ann-arbor-neighborhood.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/L0y0D#selection-65.0-73.24

#SolarPunkSunday #Michigan #Resiliency #GreenSpace #BuildingForClimateChange

#FireResistant, #sustainable home could help address housing crisis

BY Bree Steffen
Feb. 06, 2025

"Professor Daniel López-Pérez is the architecture program director at the University of San Diego. He designed a fire-resistant home he calls the #Polyhaus, a 540 square foot home which consists of just sixty-four panels.

"Instead of traditional lumber, Daniel says the Polyhaus was built using mass-timber products, which offer half the rigidity of reinforced concrete, while weighing a fraction (20%), and has a burn rate of hours (1.5 inches per hour of char-rate).

"'Fire cannot enter. It has a harder time entering,' López-Pérez said. 'So it’s char rate, given its massiveness of weight and the fact that it has no air cavities.'

"He said all the Douglas Fir came from Washington as part of a collaboration with a #reforestation project, creating a plug-and-play housing model that slashes construction costs and helps keep forests healthy. Traditional home construction requires thousands of two-by-fours and extensive manual framing.

"The Polyhaus system simplifies this process significantly.

"Joaquin Ramirez has been working to reduce the impact of #wildfires and extreme weather through his company #Technosylva. He also works with the International Association of Wildland Fire analyzing wildfire risk and working with agencies like CAL Fire to make operations safer.

"'I feel like it’s a genius design,' Ramirez said. 'You have a structure there are no holes, which that is really critical.'

"He said right now there is a great need for innovation in making communities safer in the face of #ClimateChange, and this design is an example of an accessible solution.

"'I think it’s important that our citizens understand that everybody needs to be a part of the solution. This is not a firefighter job only,' Ramirez said. 'It has to start by the house, then our community, then the surrounding communities.'

"López-Pérez built the first model of the Polyhaus in his own backyard, a reminder of the work to be done to build #ClimateResilient communities.

"'The recent fires have reminded us that we have to have that consciousness, we have to have a direct link between our housing production and the health of our forests, the health of our environment,' he said."

Read more:
https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california/wildfires/2025/02/06/fire-resistant--sustainable-home-could-help-address-housing-crisis

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/QpbHh
#SolarPunkSunday #Resiliency #BuildingForClimateChange

How are natural #DisasterResistant design elements integrated into #Solarpunk buildings?

Publication date: 2023-09-02

"In Solarpunk buildings, #NaturalDisaster-resistant design elements are integrated through a combination of passive and active design strategies. Here are a few ways in which these elements can be incorporated:

1. Site selection and orientation: Solarpunk buildings are typically situated in areas that are less susceptible to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or tsunamis. Careful evaluation of the site's history and potential risks helps in choosing locations that are more resilient. Additionally, the building orientation can be optimized to maximize natural light and minimize exposure to prevailing winds or storms.

2. Structural reinforcements: Solarpunk buildings embrace resilient construction techniques to withstand natural disasters. This may include reinforced foundations, #earthquake-resistant designs, #hurricane-resistant materials, and robust structural systems that can withstand high winds, seismic activity, or even #ExtremeWeather events.

3. Green roofs and rainwater harvesting: Green roofs, which incorporate vegetation on the rooftop, offer several benefits when it comes to natural disaster resilience. They can help mitigate stormwater runoff, reducing the strain on existing drainage systems during heavy rainfalls or floods. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems can be implemented to collect and store rainwater for future use, serving as an alternative water source during emergencies.

4. Passive climate control: Solarpunk design emphasizes #PassiveCooling and heating strategies to reduce energy consumption and reliance on mechanical systems. Natural ventilation through well-placed windows, louvers, or roof vents can help regulate indoor temperatures. By not relying heavily on air conditioning units, Solarpunk buildings can maintain habitability even during power outages caused by natural disasters.

5. #Renewable energy systems: Solarpunk buildings integrate renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity on-site. This reduces dependence on centralized energy grids, making the building more self-sufficient and resilient in the face of power disruptions caused by natural disasters. Battery storage systems can also be incorporated to store excess energy and provide backup power during emergencies.

6. Water management and flood-resistance: Solarpunk buildings employ strategies such as permeable paving, #RainGardens, and water retention ponds to manage #stormwater. These features help minimize the risk of #flooding and prevent damage caused by heavy rains or extreme weather events.

"By combining these design elements, Solarpunk buildings aim to create sustainable and resilient structures that can better withstand the challenges posed by natural disasters."

Source:
https://houses-apartments.com/en/architecture/solarpunk-architecture/how-are-natural-disaster-resistant-design-elements-integrated-into-solarpunk-buildings
#BuildingTechniques #BuildingForClimateChange #BuildingDesign #SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChangeAdaptation

This was an interesting read. A lot of it could be applied to other places as well!

[PDF] #HistoricScotland - Short Guide: #ClimateChangeAdaptation for Traditional Buildings

"Some traditional buildings may become less able to cope with changing weather patterns caused by #ClimateChange. This Short Guide describes the key aspects of the external envelope of a traditional building that provide protection against the elements, and considers how these can be improved or adapted to increase a building’s resilience to #ExtremeWeather events. It also considers the internal environment within older buildings, and how this can be managed to cope with changing environmental conditions."

Source:
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/archives-and-research/publications/publication/?publicationId=a0138f5b-c173-4e09-818f-a7ac00ad04fb

Direct Link to PDF:
https://app-hes-pubs-prod-neu-01.azurewebsites.net/api/file/c75d9549-5c17-4c98-97eb-a7ac00ae8d76

Link to guide (The Guide to Building Maintenance in a Changing Climate) referenced in the article [broken link in article]:
https://adaptation.scot/app/uploads/2024/08/the-guide-to-building-maintenance-in-a-changing-cli.pdf
#ClimateChange #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingForClimateChange #BuildingMaintenance #DIY #Scotland #HistoricBuildings