St. Gallen unveils Europe’s largest eco-friendly hemp house

In a groundbreaking development for sustainable architecture, the largest hemp house in Europe has been completed in St. Gallen, Switzerland. This newly constructed residential complex, boasting 19 apartments, stands as a testament to the potential of hempcrete as a green building material.

A sustainable revolution in construction

On the surface, the building may appear to be just another modern residential block. However, a closer look reveals that the structure is far from ordinary. The Swiss construction company, Openly, has utilised hempcrete—a composite made from the woody core of the hemp plant mixed with a lime-based binder—to build the 2,600 square metre complex.

Additionally, 1,500 square metres of prefabricated hemp walls were installed, showcasing the versatility of this material.

Hempcrete offers several environmental advantages, positioning it as a strong contender in the drive towards more sustainable construction methods. Unlike traditional concrete, which is notorious for its carbon footprint due to the cement content, hempcrete is CO₂-negative.

This means that more carbon dioxide is absorbed during the growth and processing of hemp than is released during its production and use. This characteristic is particularly significant given the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally.

The cost and comfort of green living

While hempcrete is more environmentally friendly, it does come with a higher price tag. It is estimated to be 10 to 20 percent more expensive than conventional concrete.

However, the benefits of living in a hempcrete house extend beyond its environmental impact. The material also contributes to a comfortable living environment, with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. Despite the higher costs, the demand for these eco-friendly apartments has been strong, with all units except the penthouse already leased.

• Hempcrete’s sustainability makes it a key player in eco-friendly construction.
• The material offers benefits such as superior insulation, but at a higher cost.
• The success of this project in St. Gallen may inspire further use of hempcrete in Europe.

Personal perspective

As I reflect on the emergence of Europe’s largest hemp house, I find it encouraging to see such innovations gaining traction. The use of hempcrete in this project not only highlights a commitment to sustainability but also paves the way for future developments in green construction.

While the higher costs may be a barrier for some, the long-term benefits of such materials could outweigh the initial investment, particularly as we continue to seek solutions to our environmental challenges.