By Martin Hammer
Natural Building code experts received two approvals and one thumbs-down for appendix updates submitted for approval at the International Residential Code Committee Week in Cleveland last month.
Berkeley, CA-based code experts Architect Martin Hammer (myself), Anthony Dente of Verdant Structural Engineers and others submitted updates for two bio-based building appendices (hemp-lime and straw bale) and tiny houses on wheels proposed as permanent dwellings Oct. 22 and 23.
1-Hour Fire-Rated Hemp-Lime Walls Approved
Appendix BL – Hemp-Lime (Hempcrete) Construction in the International Residential Code (IRC) saw significant advancement at code development hearings in Cleveland. Myself, Anthony Dente of Verdant Structural Engineers, and hemp-lime builder Cameron McIntosh of PA-based Americhanvre testified before the 11-member IRC Committee on behalf of their code change proposal to include three fire-tested hemp-lime wall assemblies in the 2027 IRC. The proposal received unanimous approval.