Zac Efron is moving ahead with an unusual home project near the Queensland–New South Wales border, with plans for a property built largely from cannabis-derived materials.
The High School Musical actor is teaming up with designer and environmental advocate Joost Bakker on the build, which is expected to use hemp sourced from a nearby farm for much of its construction. Reports in 2026 said the off-grid project, dubbed “Futurecave,” is now moving into its build phase after several years of planning and approvals.
Bakker, who is known for his work across sustainability-focused design and zero-waste projects, has drawn up plans for a six-bedroom home that will also feature a rooftop garden and a large central living area. The property is reportedly set within a 128-hectare rainforest site in the Northern Rivers region, close to the Queensland border.
He shared the news of the project on Instagram, writing:
“Excited to get started on Zac’s house!
“Especially want to thank these two legends @main__frank for working so hard to get this project designed and approved!”
Efron bought the site back in 2020, and the use of hemp will reportedly extend well beyond the structure itself. The home is expected to be built as a series of connected pods and designed to operate independently from the grid, reflecting Bakker’s long-running interest in low-waste, self-sustaining homes.
According to the Australian Financial Review, Bakker said items including the mattresses, curtains, and pillows are also set to be made from hemp.
He also told the publication that he is exploring the possibility of working with an appliance manufacturer to develop a washing machine featuring a hemp-made drum.
Other reported materials in the project include cork-based exterior finishes, wool insulation and recycled elements, all aimed at reducing the home’s reliance on conventional high-emissions building products. The build has also drawn attention for experimenting with hemp in parts of the home that are not usually associated with the material, underscoring how far plant-based construction has moved beyond niche eco-housing.
Hemp has become increasingly popular in sustainable building because it can be used in products such as hempcrete, insulation and composite panels. Unlike psychoactive cannabis, industrial hemp contains only trace amounts of THC and is legally grown for fibre, hurd and seed, making it suitable for construction, textiles and household goods.