Critical Concrete organizes sustainable construction workshops with hemp

A Critical Concrete, a non-profit organization based in Porto, Portugal, announced a series of 5-day workshops on hemp concrete construction techniques, better known as hempcrete. These workshops will provide a theoretical and practical basis for working with this versatile and sustainable building material, while also contributing to a social housing project. The workshops will take place between the 15th of May and the 2nd of June, in Vila Chã, a parish in the municipality of Esposende, located 45 minutes from Porto.

The workshops will be given by engineer César Cardoso, from Natura Matéria, and will cover theoretical and practical aspects of construction with hempcrete, including hemp sourcing, application methods, material performance and various blends of hempcrete. They aim to educate architects, builders, engineers, self-builders, students and anyone interested in building methods with hempcrete or natural building materials.

Participants will learn to mix the hempcrete, designing and applying temporary siding, reinforcing hemp panels and applying and compressing hempcrete to external/internal walls and roofs using consistent techniques.

The workshops will be given in English and do not require prior knowledge or skills in the field of construction. Each workshop will be limited to six participants to ensure a personalized and hands-on learning experience. Participants will receive detailed instructions and guidance from mentors, all tools and materials needed for the workshop and a daily vegan lunch.

The workshop costs €395 (+VAT) per participant and includes a voucher for an online course from Critical Concrete's own catalog of sustainable topics, hosted at critical. Accommodation and transport to and from the workshop location are not included and are therefore at the expense of the participants.

These workshops are an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in sustainable building materials and hands-on learning, and will take place on three different dates: from 15th to 19th May, from 22nd to 26th May and from 29th May to June 2nd.

Critical Concrete's aim is to provide a practical and theoretical foundation for working with hempcrete, an innovative and sustainable building material that is rapidly gaining popularity in the construction industry. The workshops will contribute to a social housing project and allow participants to gain valuable experience and knowledge in working with hempcrete.

Due to limited availability, registration must be done in advance using the form that can be found HERE.