The new hotel has been built using hempcrete blocks and other hemp-related building materials. The original five-storey building was bought by Hemporium’s co-founder Duncan Parker in 2016, and the exciting project has been undertaken by hemp producer Hemporium in partnership with Afrimat Hemp and Wolf + Wolf Architects.

Once complete, it will house Hemporium’s flagship store and the Hemp Hotel.

Hempcrete blocks are made from the core of cannabis plants along with lime and a chemical binder mix, and are extremely environmentally friendly – being carbon negative and providing awesome insulation so that less air-conditioning and heating is required.

Hemp projects are taking off around the world, and it’s predicted that within five years it will be normal to use hempcrete (which is poured like typical concrete) or basic hemp blocks. According to the New York Times, whilst hemp blocks are more expensive than traditional building products, they save money in other ways, such as reducing the construction schedule by up to 30%.

Unfortunately, the Cape Town project has been more expensive because hemp had to be imported from England. But, with hemp cultivation licenses issued in SA last year, prices will drop for future projects as blocks will be sourced locally.

Calling it the world’s “first hemp skyscraper”, the New York Times reported that “84 Harrington is already rising from the ground and, at 12 stories, will be the tallest structure in the world that incorporates largely hemp construction. Because of its load-bearing limitations, a traditional frame is still needed, but all of the walls are made from hemp blocks”.