Research Description: Stemming from an initial collaboration with Midwest Hemp Technology, Prof. Michael Gibson led graduate architecture seminars that began working with hemp-lime construction (hempcrete) with support from Angel Romero, a hemp builder based in Dodge City. This collaboration eventually led to the construction of a small structure dubbed the Hemp Casita, sponsored by New Jersey non-profit Right Coast Hemp. The Casita intended to demonstrate hemp-lime construction, hemp fiber insulation, and other hemp-based projects as the first new-constructed structure in Kansas to exhibit these techniques. The Casita was exhibited at the Kansas State Fair in Sept 2023 and has travelled throughout Kansas; eventually cross-county to demonstrate hemp in construction.

Work on the Casita and subsequent research by Prof. Gibson continues to investigate pathways to introduce hemp into conventional residential construction. Gibson presented this research at the Residential Building Design and Construction Conference in 2024 in the paper entitled “Getting Real with Hemp in Residential Construction.” Gibson is continuing to research hemp fiber insulation and hemp-lime in an combined approach, optimized for the midwestern climate, that can realize affordable net zero homes while minimizing the use of high-embodied-carbon materials and construction activities.

Citation: (2024) Gibson, Michael. “Getting Real with Hemp in Residential Construction.” Proceedings Residential Building Design and Construction Conference, Pennsylvania State University, March 27-28, 2024. ISBN 978-1-62307-010-6