Lemoal and its landscape team have collaborated to create France’s first public building constructed from hemp concrete blocks: the Pierre Chevet Sports Center in Croissy Beaubourg. This project presents a unique opportunity for manufacturers, architects, and engineers to work together, exploring innovative and sustainable building solutions.
The structure combines hemp and wood materials, designed for durability and high performance. Supported by hemp concrete block walls, the wooden semi-arched porch maximizes the training area’s space. Hemp concrete was chosen for its benefits in comfort and safety, including enhanced thermal insulation, acoustic properties, structural strength, and fire resistance rated at REI30.
Hemp concrete offers a shorter supply chain advantage. Manufactured by cement producer Vicat, these blocks are made from hemp fibers—an agricultural product sourced from hemp plantations within France. The raw materials are processed less than 500 kilometers from the project site, ensuring sustainability. This innovative, high-performance material enhances commercial value and supports a range of professions from farmers to construction workers.
Currently, hemp concrete is primarily used in detached houses, typically finished with gypsum veneer exteriors. In this project, for ease of maintenance, the exterior facade features replaceable panels. Inside, the lower part of the walls is treated with gypsum to protect the hemp material, while the upper hemp concrete blocks are left exposed to preserve their excellent acoustic properties.
Project Drawings
△ Plan View
△ Structural Schematic Diagram
△ Structural Details
△ Model Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Lemoal Lemoal Architects
Area: 380 m²
Year: 2021
Photographers: Elodie Dupuis, Bertrand Fompeyrine
Lead Architect: Sonia Sifflet
Communications: Carolina Menezes Ferreira
Outdoor Facilities: Cabinet BEC
Location: Croissy-Beaubourg, France
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