LIVING 
THE
HIGH
LIFE

The tallest hemp-bricked building in the world, Cape Town’s super-stylish 84 Harrington is also the most forward-thinking hotel in the southern hem(p)isphere

It wasn’t too long ago when even the briefest mention of the word “hemp” conjured up images of wafty folk drifting around in batik kaftans smelling heavily of patchouli. Nowadays, however, hemp is most definitely a Thing. There’s hemp bed linen, hemp body lotion and even some sort of hemp that you can sprinkle on your cereal should that float your boat.

By far the most effective use of hemp, however, is as building bricks – now being heralded as the most eco-friendly material in construction. Made by mixing the woody core of the hemp plant with a lime-based binder, “hempcrete” creates walls that regulate temperature and humidity naturally, which means your building is far more energy-efficient. What’s more, because the hemp plant absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows, it’s actually improving your construction’s carbon footprint even before it’s built. This is a very good thing, especially as the concrete industry is said to be responsible for 60 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. It’s high time we used this friendlier and far more sustainable alternative.

With its spectacular views of Table Mountain and downtown Cape Town, the environmentally friendly 84 Harrington is an excellent base for a city break – and you can find some hemp goodness to take home with you from the ground-floor Hemporium (second image)

Talking of high (and not in the stoner sense), Cape Town is now home to the world’s tallest building made from industrial hemp: the 12-storey 84 Harrington in the CBD’s East City is testament to just how great eco can look.

Part of Neighbourgood, the chain of aparthotels and co-working spaces across Cape Town, 84 Harrington is so stylish it can barely make eye contact. Its furniture’s form is functional but fashionable – there’s some top-notch carpentry on display here – and the rooms’ gentle colour palette make them a place of calm after a busy day downtown. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide epic views of the city below and Table Mountain towering above; for any first-time traveller to CPT, this is a vista that’s well worth the visit.

With its spectacular scenery and luxe accommodation, 84 Harrington may look a million dollars but the price per room makes it a refreshingly affordable place to stay. Its location is hard to beat too: the East City is growing up fast, with new cafés, shops and galleries opening almost weekly.

Along Harrington Street itself there’s plenty to keep you occupied: the sandwiches and coffee at New York Bagels are the perfect antidote to the previous night’s enthusiasm; and a stroll among the fresh greenery of Plantify is a gentle way to spend a half hour. There’s a fabulous selection of vintage clothes at Afraid Of Mice at number 99, and just next door is Fjällräven’s flagship for all your practical, Swedish backpack needs.

No trip to 84 Harrington, though, would be complete without a visit to Hemporium on the building’s ground floor, where you should be ready to have your mind blown by just what can be made using this frightfully clever little plant. In this store there’s not a batik kaftan in sight, or even a whiff of patchouli – just rails of beautiful clothes, bags and linens, all made out of hemp. We’re big fans of the one-of-a-kind, beautiful, brightly coloured hemp baskets, too – surely the ultimate style statement for any free-wheeling interiors impresario.

A stay at 84 Harrington is a truly mind-altering experience – and proof that hemp is the future of design.

Thandi Mokoena

84 Harrington, Cnr Harrington & Commerical Street, District Six, Cape Town 7925.
Visit: www.neighbourgood.co
IG: @84harrington