Frequently asked questions

Your questions,
our figures.

Prices, thicknesses, performance, lead times: the questions we are asked most often, with figures from our own sites. Every project remains different — the quotation always sets out your case.

How much does projected hemp-lime insulation cost?

Expect around €115 to €150 per m² excluding VAT for a 10 cm thickness, including framing, projection and installation. The price depends on thickness, substrate, accessibility and application rate: every project is different. CARTDESIGN issues a detailed quotation within 48 hours.

Which thickness of hemp-lime or hemp-clay gives which thermal performance?

Thermal performance depends first on the in-place density, then on the binder/hurd ratio, the application method (projected, cast, prefabricated) and moisture: there is no single value.

Projected hemp-lime — wall (350 to 450 kg/m³, λ = 0.10 W/m·K)
ThicknessThermal resistance R (m²·K/W)U (W/m²·K)
6 cm0.601.67
10 cm1.001.00
11 cm1.100.91
20 cm2.000.50
30 cm3.000.33
Hemp-clay — wall (400 to 500 kg/m³, λ = 0.11 W/m·K)
ThicknessThermal resistance R (m²·K/W)U (W/m²·K)
6 cm0.551.83
10 cm0.911.10
20 cm1.820.55
30 cm2.730.37

In a roof or light insulation (250 to 300 kg/m³), λ drops to about 0.06-0.07 W/m·K: resistance is higher at the same thickness. At equal density, hemp-clay insulates slightly less than hemp-lime but offers more thermal inertia and better hygric regulation. At 6 cm, both act as a thermal corrector rather than insulation.

How long does a projection job take?

The projection rate is 3.5 to 10 m³ per day depending on the technicality and accessibility of the site. At a 10 cm thickness, 100 m² represents about 10 m³ — that is 1 to 4 days of projection with the mobile unit and two operators.

How long before finishes can be applied?

After projection, allow 6 to 10 weeks of drying before any finish, and longer for thick layers. Ventilation and heating of the room during drying are the client's responsibility.

Can we hire your projection unit?

Yes. Hire of the biobased projection unit is €1,800 per day excluding VAT. The unit projects up to 10 m³ per day, with 25 m of hose and a possible 5 m extension. At least two independent 16 A circuits are recommended.

How much does the CINVA RAM brick press cost?

The CINVA RAM press costs €3,200 excluding VAT and is made in Belgium. Working as a team, it produces about 50 compressed earth bricks per hour from earth, sand and lime sourced on site. Once you own the machine and use the earth from your own site, the brick costs nothing more: the €6.50 per unit applies to bricks produced and supplied by CARTDESIGN.

Do you offer training in biobased materials?

Yes: a one-day introduction to biobased building, €550 per day, individually or in a group of up to six people.

How much does an earth floor cost?

Around €195/m² without cork insulation. Every project is different: the price depends on surface area, thickness and substrate.

How are travel costs charged?

Travel is charged per kilometre, round trip from our workshop in Les Waleffes, depending on the vehicle used: €0.55/km in a van (category B licence), €0.85/km in a van with trailer (BE licence) and €1.20/km in a truck (C licence). The amount remains an estimate, confirmed in the quotation according to distance and number of journeys.

Do you build larch saunas?

CARTDESIGN builds larch saunas from €9,500, excluding the wood-burning stove. Every sauna is unique: it is designed on request, according to the client's needs and the dimensions of the space.

These orders of magnitude come from our sites and quotations. Every project is different: the detailed quotation sets the final quantities and price.