The Square Vessel 31 is a planter created using a specially developed ‘hempcrete’ made by mixing hemp shiv (the woody stem of the industrial hemp plant) together with a clay and lime binder.
The base structure of hempcrete is completely hand built and free formed, making each piece custom and unique. As the Hempcrete hardens from carbonation, it will eventually petrify the hemp and form limestone. The nature of the material and its processes means it does not require to be fired in a kiln further reducing the embodied energy of each piece.
The structure is rendered with several layers of natural clay lime plaster to reach the finished surface. Hemp fibres and fine hemp shiv and powder are used as an aggregate in the plaster. Polished surfaces use a Moroccan Tadelakt technique. This technique uses 100% pure olive soap and a river stone to hand polish the surfaces. Vessels are watertight without drainage holes. The hempcrete material being vapour-permeable provides the perfect environment for happy plants.
The inside drop measurement is 21cm and the colour is 'Grey White Polished'.