Graham Creed's hemp house proves the material delivers after seven years
Graham Creed's 2019 hempcrete home proves the sustainable building material works well in Australian climates.
Graham Creed, former ABC News national weather presenter, and his partner Bridgit English built a two-bedroom off-grid home using hempcrete in 2019 on their 44-hectare property near Newcastle, NSW. The hemp walls regulate temperature and resist fire, keeping the house comfortable year-round without heavy heating or cooling.
Hempcrete is a mix of hemp's inner stem, a binder and water. Hempcrete gained attention after actor Zac Efron began building an eco-home with the material.
But builders have used it successfully for years. The material naturally regulates humidity and stores carbon.
It offers excellent insulation and sound control. Sydney builder Nick Sowden has completed seven hempcrete homes.
On very hot days, outside temperatures reach 40 degrees. His clients report staying at 24 degrees indoors without air-conditioning.
The main barrier to wider use is cost and lack of local makers.
- 2019
- Built
- 44 hectares
- Property size
- Nick Sowden: 7 hempcrete homes
- Builders completed
- 24 degrees
- Temperature inside without AC
Why it mattersAs the building industry seeks sustainable alternatives to reduce energy use and carbon, hempcrete offers proven performance. It works in practice, not just in theory.
AustraliaIf hempcrete becomes mainstream in Australia, it could lower energy bills for homeowners, reduce reliance on imported materials, and shift the property market toward climate-friendly construction. The Creed house proves it's viable in an Australian climate. Wider adoption depends on more local manufacturing and builder training.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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