1985
Highly sustainable architects established in 1985 by Ralph Carpenter and Richard Scales. They coined the phrase ‘deep green architecture’ ... using materials with the lowest possible embodied energy and serviced by carbon neutral systems.
1985 - 2005
Modece pioneers the use of Hempcrete in construction through extensive research implement the new material and techniques through their professional practice for their clients. Today hempcrete is understood and accepted by building inspectors, planners, and engineers. With industry support it has been widely implemented and is being locally produced by manufacturers in the UK.
2011 - 2012
Matthew Bell undertakes technical research and experimentation using hemp stalks and hemp lime. The study provided data and analysis of the Loading Capacities of Hemp Stalk in Compression, Tension and Bending
2012
Foundation of Hemp Architecture Ltd - technical and qualitative research into the construction potential of Hemp including the physical analysis of the technology in association with BRE.
2013
Modece undertakes Low Carbon KEEP in association Matthew Bell (Hemp Architecture) & University of Hertfordshire
2014
Matthew Bell is awarded Bursary from Franco-British union of architects to study the influence of Hemp on French Architecture
2014
Hemp architecture Ltd. is awarded Innovate UK SMART Proof of Market Grant to study the market impact of introducing Hemp stalk construction techniques
2016
Matthew Bell becomes director of Modece Architects Ltd and incorporates the research of Hemp architecture Ltd. into the company. Hemp architecture Ltd is closed down & Modece Architects focuses on the expansion of the Architectural practice.
2016-2020
Modece focuses on the expansion of the architectural practice and continues to execute hempcrete for clients. The idea of load bearing elements explored in Hemp research.
2020-2021
Innovate UK Sustainable innovation - Modece conducts an extensive period of research exploring hemp clustering techniques, the use of hemp stalks as laths and the development of truss members. Additional conceptual design development is also explored to test avenues to take the research forward. Embodied carbon calculations undertaken comparing the material against alternate natural mainstream construction materials.
By 2023
Modece aims to approach avenues to develop hemp techniques through sculptural or artistically focused pavilions, installation or outdoor structures that provide the opportunity to test techniques developed to a larger scale and greater complexity.
By 2025
Modece will partner with industry partners to develop the production of hemp stalk clusters as well as conduct technical testing of clusters for fire, structural performance, and safety thereby producing data for the introduction and implementation in the industry.
By 2027
Cluster stalk members will be combined with hempcrete, hemp lath and plaster techniques and hemp fibre insulation to develop a comprehensive internal building solution.
By 2030
GROWN YOUR OWN CARBON NEGATIVE HOUSE –Modece realises World’s first Hemp stalk structure house. Through subsequent performance monitoring & publishing of relevant data, Modece aims disseminate the technique, enable industry innovation and adaptation & fuel a revolution in sustainability.
