Pioneering America’s First Hemp House
Meet Greg Flavall - Part 1 of 2.
This episode is part one of a two-part interview with Greg Flavall, a New Zealand-born entrepreneur pioneering hemp-based construction in the U.S. and abroad.
The discussion centers on hemp’s vast environmental and industrial potential - from sustainable paper and fuel to its use as a natural building material.
Greg recounts the origins of Hemp Technologies, his company that was responsible for America’s first permitted hemp houses, and explains how combining hemp with lime creates hempcrete: a carbon-negative, breathable, fire-retardant material that promotes healthy indoor air quality.
Greg Flavall stands as one of the most influential hemp‑building pioneers in the United States, widely recognized for co‑creating America’s first permitted hemp house in Asheville, North Carolina. His work emerged at a moment when sustainable construction was still fringe, and he helped prove that hemp‑lime (hempcrete) could be a viable, durable, and healthy building material for modern homes. In interviews and public talks, Flavall - often affectionately called “The Hemp Guy” - explains how hemp’s natural insulation, breathability, and carbon‑sequestering properties make it a cornerstone of regenerative construction.
As co‑founder of Hemp Technologies, Flavall partnered with longtime collaborator David Madera to bring hemp‑based building systems to the U.S. beginning in 2008. Their Asheville project became a landmark: the first permitted hemp house in the country, built using recycled cement, steel, windows, and doors, all transported up a steep 3,000‑foot mountain road. The home demonstrated not only hemp’s environmental advantages but also its practicality - constructed at just $133 per square foot before the owner’s financing conversion. This project helped establish Hemp Technologies as a leader in natural, breathable, health‑focused building materials.
Flavall’s advocacy extends far beyond construction. Through media appearances, educational programs, and hands‑on demonstrations, he champions hemp as a whole‑plant solution for housing, agriculture, climate resilience, and community empowerment. His work highlights how hempcrete homes can improve indoor air quality, reduce energy use, and create long‑lasting structures that support both human health and environmental restoration. His passion for “future‑proofing” homes - especially for aging populations - has made him a sought‑after speaker on universal design and sustainable living.
Today, Greg Flavall continues to inspire builders, activists, and policymakers by showing what’s possible when ancient materials meet modern innovation. His pioneering hemp house didn’t just prove a concept - it sparked a movement. By blending technical expertise with a deep commitment to ecological responsibility, Flavall has helped lay the foundation for a new generation of carbon‑negative, community‑centered construction. His legacy continues to grow as more people recognize hemp’s potential to reshape housing, revitalize local economies, and build a healthier future.
