HEMPCRETE
Learn | Build | Connect
UNDERWOOD, WA
APRIL 24-30 | MAY 4-10
Join us this spring for a series of immersive, hands-on trainings focused on hemp-lime construction. Each session takes place on a full-scale, permitted residential project, where we work through real building conditions.
These workshops combine practical installation with a deeper understanding of design, detailing, and building science. Participants gain direct experience while learning how hemp-lime systems come together as complete, high-performance assemblies.
Along the way, you’ll be learning alongside a unique group of builders, designers, and engaged students, forming connections around a shared interest in natural building materials and healthier homes.
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Experience not required.
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Limited spots available.
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First session begins April 6.
2026 WORKSHOPS
All hempcrete workshops follow the same core curriculum, combining a six-part lecture series on design, engineering, and building science with full-scale, hands-on installation. The primary difference between sessions is the stage of the build and installation focus.
HempCRETE Training | UNDERWOOD, WA
APRIL 24-30
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7-day immersive program
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Cost: $800
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Focus: Installation of exterior hemp-lime walls on an 1,800 square foot passive solar home.
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Availability: 2 Spots Available
HempCRETE Training | UNDERWOOD, WA
May 4-10
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7-day immersive program
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Cost: $800
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Focus: Continuing the installation of exterior hemp-lime walls on an 1,800 square foot passive solar home.
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Availability: 2 Spots Available
Natural Plaster | PARKDALE, OR
MAY 25-29
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5-day immersive program
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Cost: Sliding scale
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Focus: Interior Clay finish and Exterior lime finish on a 2,000 SF hemp-lime home.
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Availability: 8 Spots Available
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For Details & Registration: Click Here
Who These Workshops For:
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Contractors and builders seeking hands-on technical experience.
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Architects and designers wanting deeper understanding of natural materials and systems,
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Homeowners preparing to build with hempcrete.
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Students and Enthusiasts interested in regenerative building.
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All Skill Levels are Welcome.
Also Included:
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Organic Breakfast and Lunch.
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Car/Tent camping available free on site.
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RV Spots available upon request.
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Off-Site Lodging available at cost.
Information about Lodging & the area:
TAKEAWAYS
You will leave this training with a clear understanding of how to design, build, and execute hemp-lime construction in real-world conditions.
Build with confidence
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Mix, place, and cure hemp-lime correctly.
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Install wall systems on a full-scale build.
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Understand formwork, sequencing, and installation methods.
UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL
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Cultural and Historic significance of Hemp and Lime.
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Properties, moisture behavior, thermal performance, durability, life cycle, benefits, challenges.
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Appropriate applications and mistakes to avoid.
DESIGN + ENGINEER SYSTEMS
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Key principles for designing hemp-lime assemblies.
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Framing options and structural details.
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Foundation and lateral systems design.
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Firewise detailing.
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Review of code approved plan sets.
NAVIGATE REAL PROJECTS
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Permitting pathways and code considerations.
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Project planning, budgeting, and feasibility.
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Material estimating, sourcing, and logistics.
JOIN A WORKING NETWORK
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Connect with builders, designers, and future collaborators.
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Access ongoing support through the graduate network.
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Continue learning beyond the workshop.
DAILY SCHEDULE
APRIL 6-12 | APRIL 24-30 | MAY 4-10
DAY 1
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Morning: Introductions and Intentions, History of Hemp, History of Lime, Building Science and Benefits of Hemp-lime.
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Afternoon: Site Orientation, Tools, Materials, and Construction Procedures.
DAY 2
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Morning: Hempcrete Building Systems: Wall Sections, Framing Options.
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Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum.
DAY 3
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Morning: Hempcrete Building Systems: Foundations, Lateral Systems.
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Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum.
DAY 4
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Morning: Construction Documents Review.
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Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum.
DAY 5
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Morning: Hemp-lime Code Compliance.
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Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum.
DAY 6
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Morning: Construction Details Review.
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Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum.
DAY 7
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Morning: Pricing, Ordering, Scheduling Projects.
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Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum & Closing.
Breakfast served daily at 8:15am
Workday ends at 5:00pm
Meet Your Instructor
John Hutton is the founder of Next Genesis Design, a design-build practice specializing in the design and construction of homes using hempcrete and other natural materials. With over two decades of experience in architectural design and hands-on construction, his work bridges technical precision with real-world building.
In 2012, John stepped away from the commercial design world to focus on natural building, learning directly from many experienced practitioners, and contributing to the development of modern hemp-lime construction in the Pacific Northwest through built projects.
His work integrates natural materials into high-performance, vapor-open assemblies designed for moisture control, thermal performance, longevity, resilience, and occupant health.
John emphasizes clarity, technical rigor, and practical application. Through the workshops participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to design and build with hemp-lime.
TESTIMONIALS
"Inspiring, thoughtful, and kind workshop experience that walked the talk and provided a fully immersive experience.
John is highly knowledgeable and also open to ideas from a wide range of participants from self-builders to experienced contractors and many shades between. I traveled for the workshop from London UK and it was well worth the effort in so many ways. The value of new contacts and the warm energy was immeasurable. I am looking forward to returning for future workshops."
— Julia | Workshop Participant
"much more confidence to embark on this new adventure into eco-friendly building.
A wonderful experience! We learned so much about Hemp-Lime (Hempcrete) building, and so much more. It was inspirational to learn with so many professional builders and fellow builders-to-be and be supported by an exceptional community.”
— Rick | Workshop Participant
"With no prior experience working with Hempcrete, I left feeling confident that I could successfully implement this wall system in future builds.
This workshop stands out from any other I have attended. In addition to it being well organized and informative it was taught with a great deal of heart. John clearly loves the work he does and has a unique gift for teaching."
- Ivy | Workshop Participant
"The deep education of practical and real solutions from John and those attending left me with great confidence for humanity's future.
Full of integrity, unbiased, knowledgeable and intentional about the community experience. The workshops embody the future I’d like to see, in action. Great connections were forged. BIG gratitude for all who made these workshops possible."
- Elizabeth Diane | Lucid 9 Design
Workshop
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