Hemp Voices: Carl Gradek, Gradek Contrating and Designs
Carl Gradek is founder of Austin, TX-based Gradek Contracting and Designs.
I’ve been operating in Austin, Texas for over 22 years as a full-service General Contractor. I work with clients to capture their vision through construction and remodeling to help fulfill their dreams.
I am interested in hemp building because I want to have a substantial impact on the environment and movement towards sustainable products in homebuilding. I believe we must implement new sustainable, environmentally friendly products to help future generations.
What was a win for your company in the past year?
We’re currently working on a hempcrete project, permitted, ground-up, two-story residence in south-central Austin. This project required careful design to preserve many heritage trees on site.
What is something about hemp building/construction/processing you didn’t know a year ago?
I’m intrigued to learn about hemp’s carbon sequestration properties, I hope to learn more as more research is being performed and shared!
What challenges does the hemp building industry face that it must overcome in the next five years?
We need to educate the public on the benefits of using hemp. Fortunately, other countries have been using hemp for decades and we can use this data to help here in the U.S.
Contact: carl@gradekcontracting.com
(512) 917-1640