Hemporium, Afrimat Build the World’s Tallest Hemp-Made Building in South Africa| 84 Harrington

building materials

One step forward to a sustainable future, South Africa recently introduced the world’s tallest building made out of hemp building materials. Located in Cape Town, the 84 Harrington Street tower project is a joint venture between two Cape Town-based companies Hemporium and Afrimat Hemp. The 12-storey building comprising 50 units is expected to set a benchmark on how one can build a safe, carbon-neutral multi-storey building using hempcrete and other hemp building materials. Know more about the project on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).

The partnership

Hemporium founding partner and CEO Duncan Parker, in 2016, brought 84 Harrington with the idea of turning the tower into a flagship Hemporium store, a steak restaurant, and a hemp hotel where people can experience living in a hemp-constructed space. He desired to take hemp construction in South Africa to the next level by encouraging hemp construction projects.

Earlier, hemp houses in South Africa were built using hempcrete. However, for a project of 84 Harrington’s caliber, this was unrealistic. Being inspired by the hemp blocks developed in Europe that are proved to be viable in the construction industry, Parker decided to look for strategic partners in contemporary and sustainable architecture practice Wolf and Wolf Architects and Afrimat Hemp that focuses on carbon-neutral construction.

Benefits of hemp blocks

Today, alongside bamboo, hemp is amongst the fastest growing plants on earth. There is a massive increase in demand around the world for bio-based construction which reduces carbon emissions. Originated from the botanical class of cannabis, hemp or industrial hemp is cultivated specifically for industrial or medicinal use. Hemp is 100 per cent natural, CO2 absorbing, energy-saving and durable. Hemp blocks offer superior acoustic performance, thereby allowing privacy between two units. They also absorb and release moisture, thus regulating the buildings’ internal humidity and maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Since hemp possesses less density, it reduces the load of the walls on the foundations.

Image credits: Business Insider

×
×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

SR News Update- Surge in Sales of Homes Over Rs 4 Crore- Find Out the Top Cities

In a remarkable turn, the sale of homes priced at ?4 crore and above has witnessed a staggering 97% year-on-year increase in Indias seven major cities during the period of January to September 2023, as reported by real estate firm CBRE.

Read more

DDA Ventures into Luxury Living with Exclusive Penthouses in Dwarka | SR News Update

Anticipated to be ready for occupancy by December-end or January, these four-bedroom duplex apartments present a sophisticated living experience just 13 km from the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Read more

This Rotating Bamboo Facade Redefines Openness in Architectural Design | Furnish Studio

Bamboo was chosen for the surrounding walls to support local farmers, while concrete spacers were repurposed from industrial estates’ surplus materials.

Read more

SR NEWS UPDATE: Fenesta Unveils State-of-the-Art Façade Fabrication Facility in Hyderabad

Fenesta has launched an advanced facility for creating building exteriors in Hyderabad, marking the companys venture into the facade sector.

Read more


This is alt