Hands-On Hemp Building Opportunities

Learn all aspects of building beautiful hemp homes with our Hands-On Hemp Building Opportunities. Come for days, a day or a few hours…

Want hands-on experience building with hempcrete? 

Southern Hemp offers fantastic opportunities for those keen to learn by doing. Come and join David Brian and crew on building sites mostly around Victoria and Southern NSW and work alongside experienced trades. 

Click through to the following event posts for more info

Why It Matters

By volunteering, you’re not just working with hemp…you’re helping to build a home that locks carbon away for liftemes. Hempcrete is a natural, breathable material with incredible insulation properties, keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer without relying heavily on energy.

Every bucket you lift helps create a healthier, more sustainable building. And once you’ve seen it firsthand, you’ll be able to spread the word with confidence. Experiences like this are how real change happens: from the ground up, one wall at a time.

What You’ll Be Doing

This is a practical, boots-on-the-ground opportunity. Participants will help move and tamp hempcrete into wall formwork, no experience needed. Just a good attitude and sturdy boots! All PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is provided by Southern Hemp and David will deliver a safety and process induction on site.

What to bring 

Hemping can be dirty work, whilst the hemp/lime mix washes off pretty well it does stick to things. Any clothes should be suitable for this type of building site work. 

Clothing

• Long sleeves (necessary) and long pants (advised) are needed. The lime can irritate the skin so long sleeves protect the arms when working. 
• Decent work shoes or boots.
• Temperatures vary on site so check local weather and come prepared with a hat and light clothes or a beanie and warm cloths.

Other

• Your own tent/van if staying onsite

Location

Locations vary greatly but for the most part are around Victoria and Southern NSW. Unless otherwise stated in the event information you’ll need your own transport. General locations will be provided as part of event information along with suggested transport methods and routes. The full address of the Hemp Building Hands-On Opportunities will be provided to confirmed attendees.

Accommodation 

Many Hands-On Hemp Building Opportunities are in rural locations. For each event information will be provided regarding accommodation options and suggestions only. 

There will often be onsite camping spots and campervan parking available. As locations vary, check weather notifications in the area to prepare. Access to water, power, toilet, and shower may be available and will be noted in the vent details. 

Meals

Lunch & morning tea will generally be provided as part of the Hemp Building Hands-On Opportunities. If staying for multiple days you’ll need to provide your own breakfast and dinner. 

Schedule

Hemping generally takes 2-4 weeks. Work hours are generally during week days, with optional weekends, and from 8am – 4/5pm. 

At the beginning of each week there are often new hemping teams. Site induction and training will be provided on the mornings of the first days of your hemping experience. 

A typical schedule could be as follows: 

• Week 1: Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pm
• Week 2: Mon – Friday, 8am – 4pm. Sat & Sun 8am-4pm
• Week 3: Mon – Friday, 8am – 4pm.
• Weekends optional – TBC.

Who’s Involved

These Hands-On Hemp Building Opportunities are run by David Brian an experienced hemp builder with 20 years of experience servicing more than 30 hemp houses. 

What is supplied 

• The Hemp Building Directory helps to Promote. Connect. Support.
• Binder and hemp will be specified according to the job and will likely be noted on the event information. 
• Southern Hemp supplies all hemping equipment including formwork carpenters + experienced hempcrete mixers.
• PPE. Induction & safety briefing for all volunteers before starting work.

Keen to Join?

Spots are limited depending on the event. Check back here or reach out to David Brian directly to express interest or ask questions.

Click through to the following event posts for more info