Hempcrete Workshop for Sustainable Construction
The Hempcrete Building Workshop, held in Pokhara from November 3rd to 4th, 2023, was an engaging and educational event facilitated by Dhiraj Kumar Shah, the founder of Shah Hemp Inno-Ventures. Designed to introduce participants to Hempcrete—a natural, eco-friendly construction material—the workshop offered both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Attendees learned how to mix and apply Hempcrete, gaining practical insight into sustainable construction methods. A key focus of the training was the integration of hemp and bamboo, showcasing how the combination can create energy-efficient and resilient buildings.
On the first day, participants explored the basics of hemp in construction, including its availability in Nepal, how it’s processed, and the standard mixing ratio for Hempcrete (2:4:1 – hemp shiv, lime, and catalyst by weight). A 10-inch thick Hempcrete wall was built using a simple filling technique.
On the second day, the wall construction was completed and finished with a plaster made from lime, catalyst, and sand in a 2:2:1 ratio. Although the workshop was originally scheduled for two days, Green Bamboo Creation (GBC) extended their involvement by staying an extra day to explore Pokhara’s bamboo-based market, promoting bamboo construction and furniture among local businesses.
The workshop reinforced several key findings: Hempcrete is not only fast to work with but also incredibly durable, fire-resistant, and environmentally friendly, with over 95% of the materials used being natural. The importance of using treated bamboo was highlighted, as it enhances safety and the overall structural integrity of buildings. The event also emphasized the need for proper safety gear and encouraged more collaboration between the bamboo and hemp sectors for shared growth.
Overall, the Hempcrete Building Workshop was a valuable experience that offered practical knowledge, encouraged sustainable construction practices, and fostered collaboration among professionals and enthusiasts. The skills gained and connections made during the workshop will support the advancement of eco-friendly, disaster-resistant building methods in Nepal.