We’re Proud to Help Build One of Australia’s First Government Hempcrete Buildis
At Belubula Hemp Homes, we’ve been building with hempcrete for years — but the Lithgow Women’s Shed has been a standout project we’re incredibly proud of.
This isn’t just another sustainable building. It’s one of Australia’s first government-backed hempcrete constructions — funded through bushfire recovery grants and commissioned by Lithgow City Council. Designed by Envirotecture, and built using materials from our long-time collaborators at the Australian Hemp Masonry Company (AHMC), it’s a true partnership project…and a big step forward for the natural building industry.
The shed serves many functions: a workshop and tool room for the local Women’s Shed group, a public meeting hall for up to 100 people, accessible amenities, a semi-commercial kitchen, and two lettable office spaces for community groups. But more than that, it’s a community hub built to withstand the challenges of our climate — fire, heat, energy demand — and do so beautifully.
We built this one from the ground up. Slab, framing, roof and hempcrete walls. Then our team led the cast in-situ hempcrete install, laying down over 100 cubic metres of hempcrete in just four weeks. With 300mm thick breathable walls, thermal performance is baked in — no plasterboard or insulation needed. As always, we used AHMC’s binder and hurd blend, refined from years of experience and performance in Australian conditions.
We’re also proud of the people behind the build. From the precision of Dick Clarke and the Envirotecture team, to the many volunteers who picked up buckets and got it done — this was a genuine team effort. Projects like this show what’s possible when local government, skilled designers, ethical suppliers, and hands-on builders come together with a shared vision.
It’s a humble-looking shed with a big story — and a big future. And for us at Belubula, it’s been a privilege to be part of building it.
Lithgow Women’s Shed Gallery
