Builder: Nick Sowden - Sowden Building Architect/Designer: Tracy Graham - Connected Design Photographer: Lena Barridge - The Corner Studio The Marrickville Hempcrete house is an exciting project that shows how acoustic requirements for aircraft noise can be met, without compromising on thermal performance and aesthetics.The design challenge was to create a better living space for a family of four without increasing the site coverage. The existing footprint has not been increased on the ground floor but reconfigured to improve circulation, usability and connection to the backyard. A mere 35 square meters has been added on the first floor. The result is a generous house that provides three bedrooms, a study, two bathrooms, laundry, generous kitchen dining area and outdoor space on a 197.5sqm site. This is a renovation that incorporates basic passive design principles combined with clients who weren’t afraid to be bold with new materials, texture and colour. Special thanks to a dedicated group of consultants, suppliers and a ambitious builder working collaboratively throughout the process.