Panel · 10–60 mm
Fibre-Reinforced — indicative fig. C·11
Fire Combustible CombustibleEmbodied carbon Data pending Compressive 0.09-0.57MPa StructuralDesign life 50yr
Bio-based hemp?lime panels used as non-structural infill/insulation around timber frames. Typical density ~300?400 kg/m3 and thermal conductivity ~0.038?0.055 W/m?K (mix dependent).
01 Physical
Density 300-400kg/m3
Specific gravity 0.2-0.5 (hemp-lime), 0.4-1.2 (hemp-polymer)
Porosity 68-84.3% by volume%
Water absorption 15-45% by mass (24-hour immersion)%
Hardness Shore D 15-35 (hemp-polymer composites)
UV resistance Good (natural lignin content provides protection)
Chemical resistance Alkaline resistant (pH 12-13), acid sensitive
pH tolerance 11-13 (highly alkaline)
Surface roughness Fibrous texture, Ra 50-200 μmµm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 16-58.59 MPa (composite), 270-900 MPa (individual fibres)MPa
Compressive strength 0.09-0.57MPa
Flexural strength 0.7-2.5 MPa (hemp-lime)MPa
Shear strength 0.04-0.10 MPa (hemp-lime)MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.35-0.4
Impact resistance Good energy absorption through fibrous structure
Creep resistance Minimal under design loads
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.038-0.055W/m?K
Specific heat 1250-1557J/kg?K
Thermal expansion Minimal, hygroscopic behaviour dominates×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Combustible (organic hemp fibre content)
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon Data not available
Carbon footprint -1.6 to -79 kg CO2-eq/m² (carbon negative)
Embodied energy 394 MJ/m² (260mm wall)MJ/kg
Water footprint Low - hemp requires minimal irrigationL/kg
Recyclability 100% (reusable as insulation or mulch)%
Recycled content 0% (virgin agricultural material)%
Renewable content 77-85% (hemp content by volume)%
Circular score High - fully recyclable agricultural waste product
VOC emissions Significantly lower than timber products
Toxicity rating Non-toxic, no harmful emissions
LEED contribution Materials & Resources credits MR1-7
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 50-100+ years (900-year-old samples found in France)
Maintenance interval Render recoating 10-15 years
Warranty period 10-25 years typical manufacturer warranty
Material cost (range) $109-330/m² (thickness dependent)
Material cost (per unit) $109/m² (80mm), $164/m² (140mm), $219/m² (200mm), $330/m² (300mm)
Lead time Stock to 8 weeks for large orders
Lifecycle cost Competitive when including energy savings
Annual maintenance Minimal - recoating every 10-15 years
Market availability Growing - multiple Australian manufacturers
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Breathable material that helps regulate internal humidity (vapour permeable finishes)
- Low thermal conductivity (0.038?0.055 W/m?K, mix dependent)
- Bio-based material with low embodied impact potential (verify with supplier LCA)
Constraints
- Non-structural; requires a separate structural frame (e.g., timber per AS 1684)
- Curing time can take around 3 months for hemp masonry (guidance)
- Requires vapour-permeable renders/finishes and careful detailing
08 Applications
A1 Non-structural wall infill systems
A2 Internal partition walls
A3 External cladding with render finish
A4 Roof insulation panels
A5 Acoustic absorption panels
A6 Retrofit insulation for existing buildings
A7 Prefabricated panel construction
A8 Heritage building restoration
A9 Bushfire-resistant construction (BAL FZ rated)
A10 Passive house certified buildings
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.