For many a home is a haven, a place to call your own, a place to feel comfortable and at ease in. This is what the project ‘Realising for the Read Triplets’ is all about; creating a space perfect for three children, Anwen, Mahalah and Gideon.
Many locals would know the inspiring story of the 10 year old Read Triplets who were born with Merosin Deficient Muscular Dystrophy and are wheelchair bound. The community of Canowindra has once again rallied behind the children, helping the family build a unique and purpose-built home for the triplets long term special needs.
Work is well and truly underway at the Reads place on the outskirts of Canowindra, with the unusual ‘Hempcrete’ walls currently being built. Theirs will be only the second ‘Hemp home’ in the Central West, built by Belubula Hemp Homes, and designed by Envirotecture, in Sydney.
Jemimah and Ben decided to use Industrial Hemp as a building material as it is naturally fire resistant, pest resistant, breathable, highly insulated, environmentally friendly, and a low maintenance wall product.
“Building with Hempcrete allows the air quality and warmth in our home to be excellent, with our children only having about 40% lung capacity, this will be really good,” said Jemimah
Extensive thought has gone into every element of the house design to make it as accessible and empowering as possible for the Read triplets with their limited physical abilities.
“We really wanted to create a home that is a haven for our children; it is designed so they can live as independently as possible.”
In particular the house is built to accommodate the kids in their three large powered wheelchairs, with the hallway being wide enough to fit all three wheelchairs side by side to allow the children to pass each other with ease.
“Our small household at the moment can be a bit hectic, directing the traffic flow, especially as they get a bit older,” Jemimah laughed.
With an exciting future ahead for the Read family the big question is when will it be finished?
“That’s the million-dollar question. We would love to be in by the end of the year for Christmas, ideally by the kids birthday in November! It’s actually possible with all the amazing help we’ve received from the community; we’re very grateful.” said Jemimah.
Building the Hempcrete walls is based almost entirely on volunteer labour. This means the family will be able to move in sooner and with significantly reduced labour costs. Jemimah said that the family is overwhelmed with the response from the community.
“I am continually amazed by the kindness and willingness of so many people. Thank you so much to everyone involved so far!”
Volunteers are still needed to help complete the Hempcrete walls over the coming weeks. If you are interested in making a difference contact Mark Ward on 0427 194 600. “We would really love any help!”