A specialist journalistic contribution about the possibilities and potentials of building with hemp – rammed, masoned, sprayed, prefabricated and current research topics – by Melissa Acker in the 2025 special issue „Material wirkt“, curated by md magazin together with db – deutsche bauzeitung.

The article provides a glimpse of the contents of the soon-to-be-published book, which is based on the contents of the HFT Hemp Construction Symposium and is intended to make them accessible to the public.

Many thanks also to all colleagues and partners:

Prof. Jens Betha, Hanfingenieur, Openly, LXSY Architekten, Bischof & Zündel, Rottal Hanf, Hanf & Kalk, Maren Krings Photography, Hanfstein/Schönthaler Bausteinwerk and the students of Interior Architecture at HFT Stuttgart.

The special issue „Material wirkt“ presents topics that appeal to and move architects and interior designers alike:

Materiality influences architecture far beyond the visible – it affects the atmosphere, feel and user experience. While a distinction is often made between architecture and interior design in terms of their focus, topics such as form, color and materiality are relevant for both, just weighted differently. Sustainability, building in existing structures and new materials in particular show close links that provide key impetus for sustainable construction.⁠