IGNIS' INVOLVEMENT IN THE REVOLUTIONARY HEMP BUILDING PROJECT

02.06.23 02:17 PM By DJ Streicher (Pr.Eng.)

Ignis is proud to have played a role in the groundbreaking hemp building project in Cape Town, South Africa. As a leading company in fire testing and safety, our contribution to this historic endeavour underscores our commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly construction and innovative technologies. 


Recently the 12-storey hemp skyscraper at 84 Harrington Street in Cape Town marked a milestone in sustainable construction. Hempcrete blocks, made from cannabis plant cores, lime, and a chemical binder mix, offer a carbon-negative, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials. In addition, these blocks provide excellent insulation, reducing the need for heating and air-conditioning, and are expected to become increasingly popular in construction worldwide over the next five years.


As a trusted partner in fire testing, Ignis evaluated the fire resistance of the hemp block assembly used in the Cape Town project. Our cutting-edge fire testing capabilities, based on SANS 10177 standards, allowed a thorough assessment of the hemp blocks' stability, integrity, and insulation. 

Our fire testing process included the following:
  • A controlled furnace temperature and K-type thermocouples for accurate measurements
  • Photography to document the test as well as any possible smoke emission, flaming, and time of flaming
  • Monitoring surface temperatures and temperature attenuation through materials
  • Observing the stability, integrity, and insulation of tested materials
  • While not required of the standard, the distortion of the test element can be measured

As a result, the hemp block assembly was classified as having a 120-minute fire resistance in all three categories, which is the highest classification attainable under SANS 10177.

The successful completion of the Cape Town hemp skyscraper marks the beginning of a new era in sustainable construction. As hemp building materials gain popularity, Ignis is excited to continue our involvement in such projects, providing expert fire testing. Furthermore, we look forward to collaborating with other eco-friendly construction projects, further solidifying our commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in the industry. As we expand our services and expertise, Ignis remains dedicated to supporting groundbreaking, environmentally responsible projects like the Cape Town hemp skyscraper.

References

DJ Streicher (Pr.Eng.)