HEMPCRETE
Learn | Build | Connect
Join us this spring for a series of comprehensive trainings designed for contractors, architects, and engaged learners seeking a deeper understanding of hemp-lime construction.
Each workshop combines focused lectures, demonstrations, and extensive hands-on training on a full-scale hempcrete residential project. Participants learn how hemp-lime systems are designed, detailed, and built in real-world conditions, from early planning through execution.
These trainings integrate material science, building physics, design strategy, and practical construction workflows, while offering meaningful opportunities to connect with a growing community of builders and designers advancing healthy, high-performance natural building.
Each workshop includes the complete core lecture curriculum and extensive hands-on training. The primary distinction between locations is the focus of the on-site application.
2026 WORKSHOP
LINE-UP
PARKDALE HempCRETE Training
-
Location: Parkdale, OR
-
Dates: April 6th-12th
-
7-day immersive program
-
Project Focus: Installation of interior hemp-lime walls on a 2,400 square foot home.
-
Description: Participants will work through the full hemp-lime lecture series and workflow, including systems design and engineering, permitting code compliance, project management, formwork setup, mixing protocols, installation techniques, curing behavior, and moisture management.
-
Cost: $800
UNDERWOOD HempCRETE Training#1
-
Location: Underwood, WA
-
Dates: April 24th-30th
-
7-day immersive program
-
Project Focus: Installation of exterior hemp-lime walls on an 1,800 square foot passive solar home.
-
Description: This training includes the same core curriculum of the Parkdale workshop but places the emphasis on exterior hemp-lime wall assemblies.
-
Cost: $800
UNDERWOOD HempCRETE Training#2
-
Location: Underwood, WA
-
Dates: May 4th-10th
-
7-day immersive program
-
Project Focus: Installation of exterior hemp-lime walls on an 1,800 square foot passive solar home.
-
Description: This training includes the same core curriculum of the previous workshops, but we will be further along in the overall scope of the project.
-
Cost: $800
-
Location: Parkdale, OR
-
Dates: May 25th-29th
-
5-day immersive program
-
Cost: Sliding scale
-
For Details & Registration: Click Here
Who These Workshops For:
-
Contractors and builders seeking hands-on technical experience.
-
Architects and designers wanting deeper fluency in biogenic and natural materials .
-
Homeowners preparing to build with hempcrete.
-
Students and Enthusiasts interested in regenerative building.
-
All Skill Levels are Welcome.
Also Included:
-
Organic Breakfast and Lunch.
-
Car/Tent camping available free on site.
-
RV Spots available upon request.
-
Off-Site Lodging available at cost.
Information about Lodging & the area:
TAKEAWAYS
Participants in the hempcrete workshops will gain a comprehensive understanding of both the theory and practice of hemp-lime construction, including:
Material Science and Building Physics
-
Fundamental properties, benefits, and limitations of hemp-lime
-
Thermal, hygroscopic, and fire-resistant performance
-
Moisture dynamics and vapor-open wall behavior
Hands-On Construction Skills
-
Mixing, placing, and curing hemp-lime
-
Installing interior and exterior wall assemblies on full-scale residential builds
-
Formwork systems, reinforcement strategies, and detailing for various climates
Design Systems and Engineering Integration
-
In-depth comparison of framing strategies and assembly options
-
Review of complete construction drawing sets and engineering details
-
Understanding structural integration, load paths, and system compatibility
Codes, Permitting, and Practical Decision Making
-
Hemp-lime building codes, compliance pathways, and permitting considerations
-
How to integrate hemp-lime with conventional building systems
-
Practical guidance on project planning, scope, feasibility, cost, and risk
Project Management and Field Coordination
-
Material estimating and quantity takeoffs
-
Procurement planning and logistics coordination
-
On-site problem solving and sequencing considerations
-
Managing interfaces between trades and building systems
Professional Development
-
Structured group discussions and personalized Q&A
-
Lifetime access to a graduate Telegram group for ongoing support
-
Networking with designers, builders, contractors, and advocates
-
Continued access to expert input for future projects
DAILY SCHEDULE
APRIL 6-12 | APRIL 24-30 | MAY 4-10
-
Day 1 Morning: Introductions and Intentions, History of Hemp, History of Lime, Building Science and Benefits of Hemp-lime.
-
Day 1 Afternoon: Site Orientation, Tools, Materials, and Construction Procedures.
-
Day 2 Morning: Hempcrete Building Systems: Wall Sections, Framing Options.
-
Day 2 Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum.
-
Day 3 Morning: Hempcrete Building Systems: Foundations, Lateral Systems.
-
Day 3 Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum.
-
Day 4 Morning: Hemp-lime Code Compliance.
-
Day 4 Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum.
-
Day 5 Morning: Construction Documents.
-
Day 5 Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum.
-
Day 6 Morning: Pricing, Ordering, Scheduling Projects.
-
Day 6 Afternoon: Hands-On Practicum
-
DAY 7 Morning: Hands-On Practicum.
-
Day 7 Afternoon: Closing.
Breakfast served daily at 8:00am
Workday ends at 5:00pm
Meet Your Instructor
John Hutton is the founder and principal designer of Next Genesis Design, a design-build practice specializing in hempcrete and natural building systems. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon and brings over two decades of experience in architectural design, technical detailing, and hands-on fieldwork.
After leaving the commercial design world in 2012, John focused his practice on natural building technologies, learning directly from experienced practitioners and contributing to the development of modern hemp-lime construction in the Pacific Northwest. His work integrates materials such as cob, straw bale, light straw clay, and hempcrete within high-performance, vapor-open building assemblies.
Today, John’s practice centers on the design, engineering coordination, permitting, and construction management of healthy, durable homes using biogenic and mineral-based materials. His projects emphasize moisture management, fire resilience, indoor air quality, and long-term performance.
Through his teaching and hands-on workshops, John emphasizes clarity, technical rigor, and a deep understanding of material behavior and construction processes. His approach supports builders, designers, and homeowners in developing the knowledge and confidence needed to work with hempcrete and other natural building systems.
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
Registration INQUIRY
