Hemp for Houses
Hemp for Houses
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is hosting a conference: Industrial Use of Hemp on Saturday 11th March 2006.
Keynote speakers will give an overview of the environmental and economic possibilities of growing hemp in the UK. The programme includes a wealth of expertise on the subject, including Professor Tom Woolley of Belfast University and Dr Tim Yates of the B.R.E who will speak about the Haverhill Housing Project in Suffolk.
During lunchtime there will be a practical demonstration of hemp wall building from Normandy-based eco builder Laurence Brown. The conference concludes with an open discussion forum on the potential for growing and building with hemp in the UK.
Hemp is a highly versatile material, already used in a range of applications, including paper, health food supplements and fabric. Add to the list a new use - environmentally friendly building materials.
This conference is open to all. Tickets are available from the CAT Courses Office.
Price £10 per person, which includes entrance fee to CAT and tea and coffee. Lunch and supper are supplementary and will need to be booked when you purchase your conference ticket. Some overnight accommodation may be available.
Book your place through the CAT Courses Office on 01654 705981 or email courses@cat.org.uk
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
0905 - 0930 ‘History of Hemp’ Chris Mundy
0930 - 1015 ‘Agronomics and growth trial results’ Dr. Sarita Bennett. Bangor University.
1015 - 1100 ‘Farm processing of Hemp’ Jacqueline Garrod. Springdale Farm Technology
1100 COFFEE BREAK
1130 - 1215 ‘Post farm Hemp production” John Hobson, Hemcore
1215 - 1300 ‘Comparative Life Cycle analysis of hemp for textile production’ Sue Riddlestone
LUNCH Practical demonstration of Hemp wall building. Laurence Brown
1400 - 1445 ‘Hemp building in Ireland” Henry O.D.Thompson. The Old Builders
1445 - 1530 ‘Structural Properties of Hemp blocks’ Ian Pritchett. Lime Technologies
1530 TEA BREAK
1600 - 1645 ‘Sustainable construction - Haverhill Housing Project, Suffolk” Dr Tim Yates. Director. B.R.E.
1645 - 1730 ‘Architectural and environmental potential of Hemp and Lime” Professor Tom Woolley, Belfast University.
1800 SUPPER
2000 - 2100 Discussion Forum
This programme is provisional and maybe subject to changes
The Centre for Alternative Technology
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a pioneering research and demonstration centre that inspires, informs and enables people to explore new ways of living. Opening to the public back in 1975, it has established a worldwide reputation as one of the leading organisations demonstrating ecological technologies and lifestyles. A solutions driven organisation, offering practical solutions to environmental problems, our key areas of work are renewable energy, environmental building, energy efficiency, organic growing and alternative sewage systems.
Our services include a visitor centre open 7 days a week, practical and informative publications, a mail order service of ‘green’ books and products, educational services for schools, consultancy for individuals and businesses, residential courses, membership and a free information service.
Courses at CAT
CAT’s year-round programme of established and custom-made residential courses gives the knowledge and practical experience to carry out your own projects. Led by tutors with years of hands-on experience, courses are reasonable priced and open to all. Our most popular courses include windpower, solar water heating, self build, organic gardening and blacksmithing. Contact Joan Randle, 01654 705981 email: courses@cat.org.uk
How to get here
CAT is located three miles north of Machynlleth on the A487 and has a free car park. A new cycle route (Sustrans 
can be taken from the centre of Machynlleth up to CAT. Regular bus service connects from Machynlleth railway station and other major towns. Travel information: 0870 608 2 608 (local buses) & 08457 484950 (rail).
The Dyfi Valley
Mid Wales’ Dyfi Valley has a reputation as the UK’s number one destination for ecological family breaks. From the stunning beaches and dunes at Ynyslas and Aberdyfi where dolphins can be seen, to the RSPB nature reserve at Ynys-Hir in the Dyfi Estuary, the green experience continues. These attractions are supported by the spectacular Cambrian Coast Railway and the National Bicycle Network, and bicycle hire in Machynlleth. Award-winning, green Bed & Breakfasts are also available in the area providing home-grown, organic, vegetarian food.
Hemp in Buildings
Hemp can be used in the foundations and walls of buildings. Under extreme pressure, hemp buildings will bend but won’t break. The beauty of hemp buildings is that a natural mineralization process makes the foundations harder after they set. The older a hemp building is, the stronger it becomes.
CAT Charity Ltd
Centre for Alternative Technology Charity Limited, a company limited by guarantee; Charity no. 265239; company no.1090006, registered in Wales; registered office: Llwyngwern, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ
Written by The Editor on January 5th, 2006 with 4 comments.
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