Industrial hemp claimed a remarkable haul at the Master Builders Western Australia awards ceremony on Saturday, with Sharlene Mavor's 'Indica Hemp House', constructed by Hemp Homes Australia, taking home wins across six categories.
The awards recognise outstanding craftsmanship, a dedication to construction excellence, and the highest professional standards across the building industry.
Mavor said the design of the home, situated in Wilyabrup within WA's Margaret River wine region, developed gradually over time — though she always believed it would be something "special".
"Part of the reason we built it was to showcase hemp and hempcrete," she added. "We are incredibly proud and grateful that hempcrete has really had a spotlight put on it as a result [of the wins]."
The hemp used in the property's construction — which operates as a short-term holiday rental and holds both Tourism Australia and Sustainable Tourism Accreditation — is grown and processed locally.
Mavor said the home was originally submitted only in the alternative building materials category, but after judges visited the site in person, they recommended it be entered across several additional categories.
On the night, it took out awards in the following categories:
- Best Alternative Construction Home
- Excellence in Alternative Finishes
- Supervisor of the Year – Gary Rogers, Hemp Homes Australia
- Excellence in External Finishes
- Best Contract Home – A$1m-$1.5m
- Best Country Home South West (the top award of the night)
In a LinkedIn post, Hemp Homes Australia co-founder Georgina Wilkinson noted that this was the first time the Master Builders Association WA had recognised a hempcrete building with an award.
She said it was "wonderful to see industrial hemp… recognised at this level".
The home is now eligible to go forward and compete at the national awards.
