We spend a significant part of our lives indoors. That is why it is so important to have a good indoor climate, as it has a decisive impact on our health and well-being.
Indoor climate is shaped by the following physical properties:
air temperature
temperature of the surfaces bounding the interior
air movements
air humidity
dust and gas pollution
The generation of a favorable climate is provided by hemp concrete – a building material based on hemp shive and lime binder. It is characterized by high thermal and acoustic insulation capabilities, as well as high vapor-permeability and heat capacity.
These properties make buildings whose walls are filled with hemp concrete a healthy and comfortable microclimate, highly friendly to residents. At the same time, the presence of lime in the composition of the hemp composite provides protection against the development of biological corrosion, thus guaranteeing a clean and hygienic residence, as Professor Tom Wooley, Professor of Architecture at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, an independent expert on green building technologies and author of the books “Green Building Handbook” and “Natural Building” rightly notes.
Hemp concrete is a 100% natural and environmentally friendly material. Unlike synthetic materials, it does not contain any harmful chemicals.
It is completely friendly to health and the environment, also after demolition of the house, it can be crushed and used, for example, as fertilizer.
Hemp composite is a vapor-permeable material, which means that it allows moisture to flow freely. This is of great importance for both the structure of the building and the health of its occupants. Vapor permeability and spontaneous drying of the walls are made possible by the porous network of channels in the mortar. This property protects against long-term moisture in the walls and has an extremely beneficial effect on the microclimate of the building.
Humidity is one of the most important parameters of air, next to its temperature and cleanliness. High relative humidity positively affects the pleasant climate in the room, which directly translates into good health and well-being.
By maintaining the right level of humidity in the house and its rooms:
– the content of fine dust particles is reduced
– the viability of bacteria and viruses is reduced
– unpleasant odors are reduced
– prevent electrostatic charging of certain objects is prevented
– the defense capabilities of the skin and the entire body against pathogenic microbes are activated
– the respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems work properly
For these reasons, in order to enjoy good health and well-being, we should maintain an optimal indoor humidity of about 50% (at least 40% and no more than 70%). This is made possible by hemp concrete, which is the infill of the building’s walls.
One of the ingredients of hemp concrete is strongly alkaline lime, which has a bactericidal effect. This prevents the formation of mold and mildew on the walls of the building. A positive consequence of this action is the protection of the surface covered with it from progressive biological corrosion, which is an undeniable advantage.
The form of the dome, together with the use of natural materials free of “construction chemicals”, creates a favorable environment for us to live in health and harmony.
