Australian start-up Living Canvas has received $2 million in NSW Government funding to establish what is expected to become Australia's first large-scale hemp construction manufacturing facility, supporting regional manufacturing while expanding the use of bio-based building materials.

The funding, awarded through the NSW Government's Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program, will enable the company to establish a regional industrial hemp processing and prefabricated panel manufacturing facility in Toormina, near Coffs Harbour.

The investment is intended to strengthen regional manufacturing and supply chains, create new opportunities for Australian hemp growers and processors, and make hemp-based construction products more widely available to homeowners, architects and builders.

“We’re thrilled to receive this support, which will enable us to grow through the development of new plant and equipment, for Australia's first large scale hemp-based manufacturing facility,” says Living Canvas Co-Founder Harrison Marsh. “It marks the beginning of a significant change within the Australian construction industry, as we shift away from carbon-heavy materials and towards a bio-based future.”

“It will bring jobs to regional NSW and enable our Living Canvas panels to be used on more building projects across the country. More hemp in construction doesn't just build better homes, it supports an emerging agricultural industry for NSW,” he adds.

The grant will fund production equipment, factory fitout, material handling systems and quality assurance processes needed to expand manufacturing capacity.

Living Canvas manufactures structural insulated panels using Australian-grown hemp. The prefabricated wall, floor and roof systems are designed to improve construction efficiency while delivering thermal performance, moisture regulation and high bushfire resistance.

The project is also expected to create higher-value markets for hemp hurd – the woody core of the hemp plant – and strengthen links between growers, processors, manufacturers, builders and customers, helping establish a more scalable regional hemp construction supply chain.

“Agriculture is one of the most important industries for our state. The sector contributes billions of dollars to our economy, underpins thousands of jobs in regional communities and puts food on our tables,” says Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns.

“This co-investment model unlocks enormous potential for our state’s primary industries, driving private investment in projects that advance the sector and deliver real benefits for regional communities across New South Wales.”

Living Canvas Otetto Team.jpg — *Living Canvas Otetto Team: (L-R) Harrison Marsh, Amanda Marsh, Chris Ball, Elliot Marsh, Dan Hamilton*

Hemp is increasingly being explored as a low-carbon building material because of its insulating properties, natural fire resistance and ability to capture carbon during growth. Hempcrete, which is produced using hemp, is considered carbon negative over its lifecycle because it stores more carbon than is emitted during its manufacture and installation.

“Investing in agriculture means investing in the strength of our regional communities,” adds Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.

Beyond supplying construction materials, Living Canvas, through its sister company, Otetto, has also launched a range of architect-designed prefabricated houses made using the company's hemp panels to demonstrate how hemp can support healthier, more climate-responsive homes.

All images supplied

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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