Research Proposal

Summary of Proposed Project:

    Hemp, a term which in today’s culture is closely associated with the misuse of marijuana, is in fact a centuries old building fiber. Used throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East, hemp has made its mark in the construction industry. However, North America has yet to fully accept the potential of hemp.

    My proposal is to shed light on the benefits of hemp built homes to the public by developing a modern design implementing all the benefits of hemp along with passive solar efficiency. Construction of the home would showcase to the public the potential of building with sustainable materials such as hemp.

Purpose:

    Climate issues have drastically influenced the direction of construction and industry over recent years. Hemp is a “green” building alternative, that in the right hands of building professionals, can be used for insulation, thermal mass, fire protection, siding, flooring, acoustics, as well as numerous other items, all while keeping affordability at the top. It is our responsibility to reverse the climate impacts we have created. Let us put hemp to good use.

Goals and Objective of the Project:

    As a young family man, it is my foremost goal to encourage a responsible building method. By focusing my small construction company on a carbon negative system using hemp, the development of healthy, affordable, energy efficient, modern housing is feasible. By educating children, youth and adults on the positive impacts of building “green,” we are helping develop a better world for future generations.

Methodology and Analytical Approach:

    On November 4-6, 2010 an Industrial Hemp Green Building Conference was held in 100 Mile House, British Columbia. This conference was presented by the Industrial Hemp Pilot Project (IHPP) to educate participants on the uses of industrial hemp. If the IHPP, along with IHPP guest speakers are willing to help with the development of this proposal, samples and information collected would be used towards the design of a Kamloops hemp home. If the IHPP is uninterested, the next step would be to continue with independent research and development towards a hemp based house design. Most data collection will be obtained secondarily from academic writings and industry professionals. Once all design work is complete, with or without the assistance of the IHPP, quotes for the construction of the home would need to be acquired along with funding.

Previous Studies:

    Hemp Technologies USA has acquired an abundant amount of information regarding the uses and performance of various hemp products through sources in Europe. Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have been using hemp for centuries, it is only recently that the Unites States and Canada have begun to put these practices to use. Hemp Technologies USA has successfully built a small number of hemp homes within the United States, but only by importing the hemp at higher costs as industrial hemp crops are illegal within the United States. However, across the northern border, there is locally grown industrial hemp crops waiting to be used in full force. With the knowledge at hand, and the resources found locally, there should be nothing stopping the advancement of  building with hemp.

Plans for Dissemination of Work:

    Through today’s technology, so much information can be rapidly exchanged. With an online blog focused on the sustainability of hemp use in buildings, information, comments, concerns and feedback can be shared continuously. I plan to post and relay my research findings as well as design ideas through the blog.

Contribution of the Project to my Academic Goals and Objectives:

    The Architectural Engineering Technology (ARET) program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a large stepping stone towards developing my small construction company, Koda Construction. Koda Construction has been around since 2009 and handles small jobs, like decks, fences, bathroom renovations, and other odd jobs. Keyword being “small,” as furthering my education is quite time consuming. The goal of the company is to focus on a sustainable technology which involves design and management. Through the education at TRU, previous construction experience and this research, Koda Construction will be able to grow by contributing the innovative, “green” building practices of hemp use to the construction industry. Not only will this be a great foundation for my company, but a great influence for generations to come. I sincerely thank you for your consideration.