I designed my house myself, with no experience, and based it on an agricultural Spanish barn style as I wanted a European look. I aimed for the smallest house I could live and work in that could also accommodate city friends coming to stay. It can sleep up to 8 people in its 110m2.
Hempcrete, made from the fibrous core of the hemp plant and lime, was my choice of building material from the start as hempcrete offers excellent thermal insulation, moisture control, and resistance to fire, pests, and mold. Its ability to sequester carbon over time further contributes to environmental sustainability.
The house was built by Joe D’Alo of the Hempbuilding Company in Kyneton and the draughtsperson was Dean Raynor. I have since gone on to attain an Advanced Diploma in Building Design (Architectural) and am starting out a career as a sustainable Building Designer.
Planning for the project commenced in 2018 and it was built over 14 months in 2023/2024. It is a 110m2 interior space over two storeys. The hempcrete walls are 300mm thick. It has an open plan kitchen/dining/living room, two discrete bedrooms, a first floor mezzanine room that is multipurpose and a flyscreened sunroom off the pergola, giving both shade and protection from insects. The bathroom is also a laundry, and I have a second bath on the deck.
PASSIVE DESIGN
• Passive design features include the living area on the length of the building having a North Orientation for optimal thermal warmth, with concrete ground flooring as a thermal sink.
• On the northside is a building long Pergola with deciduous grape vines growing for future summer shade.
• I have double glazed windows and doors. Black powder coated, aluminum window and door shrouds are on the west and south side and First Floor North window for shade and water protection for the windows and doors. I have Secondhand cedar shutters on the eastern windows.
This property has wheelchair access.
