Hemp Home: Off-Grid Oasis Built Years Ago

Graham Creed, a former ABC weatherman, and his partner Bridgit English built an off-grid, two-bedroom hemp home in 2019. Located on their 44-hectare property, Eagles Reach, in regional NSW, the house utilizes hemp walls for thermal regulation and fire resistance. This initiative predates recent attention on hemp construction by figures like Zac Efron.

The couple prioritized comfort and resilience to heat, having previously lived in a less insulated shed. Their builder recommended hemp over hebel, and Creed was impressed by the material's unique look and feel. The hempcrete construction, combining hemp with a binder, offers excellent insulation, humidity control, and carbon sequestration.

Experts like Associate Professor Ailar Hajimohammadi from UNSW highlight hempcrete's porous structure for insulation and moisture regulation. While currently more expensive, increased local production and prefabrication could reduce costs and boost accessibility. The Australian hemp industry is growing, with efforts underway to increase public awareness and builder training for wider adoption of this sustainable material.