The Canyonleigh Hemp Pod House is Perched high on a windswept hill near the Shoalhaven River. This 3-pod hemp home blends resilience and sustainability. Built in a potential fire zone, it features cast in situ hemp walls, a natural finish, and an underground truffle cellar, offering durability and harmony with its Southern Highlands setting.
Structure Specifications
| Project | Canyonleigh Hemp Pod House |
|---|---|
| House floor area | approx 250m² |
| Hemp walls | External and internal feature hemp walls |
| Wall thickness | 300mm |
| Type of hemp installation | Cast in situ |
| Formwork method | Form ply with Belubula slip form crank system |
| Orientation | East–West, living areas facing north |
| External finish | Colorbond on steel battens |
| Designer / Architect | TBC |
| Builder | Belubula Hemp Homes, James Isaacs |
| Climate zone | Zone 4 |
| Eaves | 600mm gable ends, minimal eaves |
| Date of completion | 2020 |
Canyonleigh Hemp Pod House
Building with Hemp in the Southern Highlands
Set in Canyonleigh, a rural locality in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, this 3-pod hemp house demonstrates how sustainable materials can meet the challenges of an exposed site. Known for its rolling farmland, rugged gullies, and cool climate, Canyonleigh is home to truffle farms, vineyards, and a strong rural community.
Designed for Exposure and Fire Resilience
Positioned on the top of a hill, the home is fully exposed to the region’s high winds and sits within a potential fire zone. Hempcrete was chosen for its combination of insulation, breathability, and inherent fire resistance — making it an ideal building material for this unique site.
The design uses cast in situ hemp walls formed with Belubula’s slip crank system, delivering both structural performance and aesthetic appeal. The thickness of the hemp walls provides excellent thermal mass, regulating indoor temperatures through seasonal extremes.
A Three-Pod Living Concept
The house is arranged as three pods, each with its own purpose and flow, connected to maximise natural light and views across the Shoalhaven River valley. This modular pod approach allows for flexibility, future expansion, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
Truffle Farm Connection
As part of a working truffle farm, the property integrates agricultural function with modern living. An underground cellar was constructed for truffle storage, providing stable cool conditions year-round. This cellar also highlights hemp’s ability to complement natural earth-connected designs.
Canyonleigh Hemp Pod House Gallery
Quick Facts: Canyonleigh
- Canyonleigh is a rural locality in Wingecarribee Shire, in the Southern Highlands of NSW.
- The name Canyon Leigh was given by Mrs Jane Murray, who held land between Paddy’s River and Long Swamp.
- Today, the area is known for its rugged beauty, cool climate, and farms producing wine, olives, and truffles.
Why Choose Hempcrete?
Hempcrete offers natural insulation, low embodied carbon, and durability against fire and weather extremes. For homes like this one — exposed, rural, and requiring resilience — hemp is more than a material; it’s a future-proof choice.
