The Chester Hill Hemp House proves hempcrete belongs in the suburbs. On a quarter-acre block in Sydney’s west, this 150m² home combines natural materials, accessibility, and modern design for sustainable, future-ready living.
More reading: First ‘hemp’ home arrives. Local News Plus Article March 16, 2021
Structure Specifications
| Project | Chester Hill Hemp House |
|---|---|
| House floor area | approx 150m2 |
| Hemp walls | Off form finish internal exposed hemp. Lime render on external walls. |
| Wall thickness | 250mm |
| 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 | Lime Render, lime + hemp, rockkote tined with natural oxides (colours) – cladding |
| Building Designer | Shelter Building Design |
| Builder | Belubula Hemp homes from the ground up to finishing. |
| Climate zone | Zone 5 |
| Eaves | 600mm eaves |
| Date of completion | TBC |
Chester Hill Hemp House
From Fibro to Hempcrete
The site originally held an aging fibro house, a common feature across Sydney’s west. Rather than a superficial renovation, the decision was made to demolish and rebuild from the ground up, embracing hempcrete as the primary wall infill and insulation. .
The shape of the suburban block heavily influenced the layout, with orientation and breezeways carefully considered to maximise airflow and natural light. High windows and clerestories were incorporated to bring in daylight while venting excess heat in summer.
Designed for Comfort and Longevity
The Chester Hill Hemp House is more than a showcase of sustainable materials, it’s also designed for aging in place. Ramps and circulation spaces allow for wheelchair access, ensuring the home will remain functional for its occupants long into the future.
The underground garage not only maximises useable land above but also integrates seamlessly with the sloping terrain, keeping the suburban aesthetic intact while providing modern convenience.
Chester Hill Hemp House Gallery
Why Hempcrete Works in Suburbia
While hemp homes are often associated with off-grid lifestyles, the Chester Hill project illustrates how hempcrete construction is perfectly suited to city living. The 250mm cast in situ walls provide thermal mass, breathability, and a natural indoor climate that conventional building systems struggle to achieve.
The external lime-based finishes are both practical and attractive, with natural oxide tints giving the home a unique but subtle street presence. Internally, the off-form exposed hemp walls offer texture and warmth rarely found in suburban builds.
Chester Hill in Context
Chester Hill sits within Sydney’s Canterbury-Bankstown and Cumberland Council areas, a densely built part of the city’s west. As one of Sydney’s classic working-class suburbs, it represents the type of urban environment where most Australians live, not on rural acreage, but on compact blocks with close neighbours.
Building with hempcrete here proves that sustainable design isn’t limited to niche or regional projects. It can and should be applied where the majority of the population lives.
A Model for the Future
The Chester Hill Hemp House is a model for how Australian suburbs can evolve: replacing outdated fibro and brick veneer homes with durable, low-carbon housing designed for modern life.
By combining natural materials with thoughtful design—clerestory windows, breezeways, underground garage, and accessibility features, this home stands as proof that sustainability and suburbia are not at odds.
As more homeowners and councils look for pathways to healthier, longer-lasting housing, projects like this one show the way forward.
More reading: First ‘hemp’ home arrives. Local News Plus Article March 16, 2021
