In an innovative approach to sustainable living, Zac Efron is set to build a home that prominently features hemp-based materials, as outlined by designer Joost Bakker. Efron’s new residence will incorporate plant-based natural hemp for several key elements, including mattresses, insulation, curtains, and internal walls, creating an environmentally-friendly space.
Bakker has applied techniques honed in an award-winning design for Woodleigh School on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, which showcased the versatility of hemp in construction. For Efron’s home, even the joinery in the kitchens and possibly appliances such as washing machines and dryers are being designed with a hemp component, highlighting the material’s adaptability.
Hemp, a strain of cannabis with minimal tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive element—has seen a surge in interest, particularly following legislative changes in Australia in 2017 that allowed for the cultivation of industrial hemp for both food consumption and fiber production. Professor Rachel Burton, a plant science specialist at the University of Adelaide, noted that the hemp industry is expanding, emphasizing its potential to create sustainable, long-lasting building materials.
“Hemp not only grows rapidly but also plays a significant role in carbon fixation during its growth cycle, making it an eco-friendly alternative,” Burton explained. The material’s natural properties also include fire resistance, enhancing its appeal in construction. In practice, hemp can be used in flooring and primarily in the development of walls, with a specific part of the plant called “hurd” being mixed with binder materials to form an earthen-like blend for construction.
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Bakker’s collaboration with a Victorian block maker has led to the creation of hemp bricks, utilizing oyster shells as a binding agent instead of lime, which is traditionally mined. These bricks, designed to resemble Besser blocks, are lighter and may facilitate faster construction processes, even though they come with a higher price tag. Bakker estimates approximately 2,200 hemp-based blocks will be required for Efron’s home.
Despite the growing interest in hemp construction, challenges remain, particularly the availability of processing facilities and the need for builder training. Some experts advocate for more awareness of hemp’s advantages, suggesting that as builders gain familiarity with the material, its use in construction will increase.
Sara Wilkinson, a professor of sustainable property at the University of Technology Sydney, remarked on the necessity for low-carbon materials like hemp, especially given the environmental impact of conventional construction materials. Efron’s hemp-centric residence, often referred to as “Zac’s greenhouse,” has received council approval, with groundwork already laid and construction set to commence in February, aiming for completion by September 2026.
Bakker’s design concept extends beyond just materials; internal walls will be designed to actively “pull in pollution and breathe,” contributing to the home’s overall sustainability. Each aspect of the building is thoughtfully constructed so that Efron will feel grounded, quite literally, when walking barefoot within his home—a unique feature meant to connect him with the earth’s magnetic field.
