# Sativa Building Systems

Patented hemp based non-toxic wall panels that are mold, rot, pest, and fire resistant. 

## Elevator pitch
Sativa Building Systems creates hemp based construction materials.  The flagship product is the Z Panel.  The Z Panel is a patented carbon negative block panel used to construct the walls of buildings.  It is breathable, non-toxic, mold resistant, rot resistant, fire resistant, and pest resistant.

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/sativa.building.systems
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:52774
- Last updated: 2026-06-22T05:03:04Z
- Generated at: 2026-06-23T00:25:09Z

## Quick facts
- $7.8 Million in LOI's already secured
- Breathable, non-toxic, mold, rot, pest, and fire resistant
- Carbon negative construction offsets 3 years of emissions
- Building lot for show home has already been purchased
- Consumer survey has overwhelmingly validated concept. 69% surveyed would purchase Z Panels
- Contracts have been signed to secure 3 critical supply components
- Relationships with 2 major engineering firms have been established to complete evaluation report
- Hundreds of customer inquires have been obtained with no paid advertising

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:29142: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:43309: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)

## FAQ
1. **Hi, what kind of offering is this for - shares, LLC units, common/preferred equity?**
   - It will be an equity offering that has yet to be determined.
2. **Hello. What's the current valuation? Once you enter the market, what are your revenue goals for the first 5 years?**
   - Hello! Current valuation is at $1.7 million. In 5 years in just the residential domestic market we are targeting $42.2 million in yearly revenue.
3. **How is it better than cinder blocks?**
   - Hi Maksym. Z Panels are superior to cinder blocks for many reasons: -They are insulative. Hempcrete Z Panels have an R value of more than 10X that of cinder blocks -They are sustainable -They are 1/6th the weight of concrete -They require no joint mortar -They are breathable -They are mold resistant
4. **How is it better than competing cement/concrete base technologies?**
   - Similar to to the reasons I gave below, I can add a few more: -They have a patented interlocking deign that works with conventional wood/steel framing -They are actually carbon negative, they sequester more carbon than they produce -Hempcrete is more pliable than concrete. It resists cracking.
5. **Why hemp and not other plant base additives to cement?**
   - Hemp has intrinsic properties that make it the most conducive for this product. It adds the necessary strength and insulation, and can be grown quickly and easily without any pesticides.

## Team
- Zachary Popp (CEO and Founder)
- Erick Jensen (COO)
- Nathanael Popp (CFO)

## Q&A
- Q: Hello, great business idea and congrats on your traction so far. I'm an impact investor, so believe this company fits my criteria profile. A couple of questions I don't believe I saw answered: 1. You mention competitors in the alternative building material space. Can you clarify what the patent protects, issue date, and patent number. 2. You mentioned $500k for testing, facility build, show room build, and salaries. That seems low, will that be enough to accomplish those goals in 1-2 years? 3. The campaign has seemed to lose traction. What will the the $125k initial goal disbursement accomplish and what's the next step to continue to fund the project? Wishing you the best!
  - A: LD, I sincerely apologize for delay. The portal was not showing me all questions. Regarding he Patent, here is more information: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10753091B2/en. The Patent # is 10753091. That patent was issues on 8/25/2020. In terms of what the patent protects, there are multiple claims, but the most critical are the proprietary binder mix, the embedded bracing, and and the interlocking nature of the Z Panel. $500K would be sufficient for the key goals for years 1 and 2 because we are actually working on receiving grant funding for the show home build. The initial $125K will cover the cost of the Technical Evaluation Report.
- Q: Hello. I'm trying to get a better understanding of what your predicted costs are once you get to the manufacturing stage. Ultimately, you are trying to replace multiple components currently used in the building process with this one product so how do the predicted total costs compare? I also am curious about your thoughts on which current building steps could be avoided. It seems that you intend of having these fit between the studs, like insulation would, if this is the case, how will the structural/compressive strength be leveraged? I can see that using this product might prevent the need for plywood being used on the exterior but house wrap would still likely be needed to prevent water from getting in. On the interior, do you see this eliminating the need for drywall? It does not look like the finishing would make for a suitable interior wall from the samples you have created thus far (in addition to the need to cover the studs) so I'm thinking that drywall would still be needed? You say that the insulation value is measured at R16 but what thickness is this at? Would this only work with 2x6 walls to get the needed insulation requirements? Thanks!
  - A: Hi Todd. Comparing building costs is a little challenging because lumber and material prices right now are so unstable. 2 years ago I would typically tell people that a hempcrete Z Panel home would cost about 10% more than a standard stick built home with vinyl siding. Currently, the price of a Z Panel home should actually be a little less than standard construction. Z Panels would cost about $27/square foot (of wall) in materials, but less overall for labor. With Z Panels no sheathing is needed, or vapor barrier (house wrap), sheetrock, or insulation. Plaster/render can be adhered right to the Z Panels, that is why no sheetrock or exterior sheathing (OSB/plywood) is needed. Our high density Z Panel has an R value of 16 and is 12 inches thick. Z Panel 2.0 will be more insulative and have an R Value between 22-24 and that will also be just 12 inches thick. These are designed to work with both 2x6 and 2x4 walls. Hempcrete is very resistant to cracking and stress, but it's compressive strength is not superior to concrete. So, in terms of compressive strength and leveraging the current design, the Z Panel adds a little in terms of compression, but adds a LOT in terms of racking and transverse strength to the wall.
- Q: Do you intend to work on this full time? How many part time and how many full time employees will you have? Are there other companies that do this currently?
  - A: Hi Eric. Yes this company will have our full-time efforts. We can enter production and have an adequate production capacity with 6 full-time employees. There are companies that have made hempcrete bricks or panels. However, none exist that incorporate a design that works with traditional framing or have an interlocking stair step functionality or have an imbedded horizontal brace. These are all items incorporated into the patent. We believe we have the most clear path to code approval.
- Q: Good day, Is there a possibility to also manufacture this system as insulation for conventional walls? That would be a game changer in residential construction today and in the future.
- Q: Any updates?
- Q: Sorry I missed the raise! Love the idea! Have you connected with S2A Modular? They do net-zero buildings and offer hemp-based construction materials, so it may be a good B2B for you! 😉
- Q: I think your technology appears strategically positioned but I have extreme reservations regarding your marketing approach. I cannot understand why you are building your own demonstration dwelling [apparently in an isolated area], when there are large numbers of home builders better able to undertake this. One LOI from one WI builder is hardly convincing. So I cannot understand why you are not spending [almost] all of your time trying to recruit major homebuilders within a 500 mi. radius. Your tech offers strategic marketing advantages to major homebuilders so your apparent failure to tap this market is baffling. The right strategic partners would solve most of your problems.
  - A: Hi Brian, These are all good questions. There are a few reasons why we would build a show/model home in central Wisconsin. This is where our manufacturing facility will be located. It is also where we know we can secure land and subcontractors within a reasonable budget. The main intent of the show home is to demonstrate the aesthetic appeal of a Z Panel home. This will largely be done through videos, photos, and then the associated PR. It is not critical that the home be physically near a large population base. At the same time, we will work with any builder that wants to use Z Panels, and if we could work out an arrangement where they build a home and we use the build to create marketing media, we will absolutely do that. We have had several builders and architects approach us with a desire to use Z panels. So this option has real potential. The next step in our business development is soliciting strategic partnerships with builders/developers. I agree with your thought process. We have already started that, and are pursuing more LOI's. We have found that many builders typically have these two questions: Do Z Panels meet code? When will you be able to deliver product? The funds from this round will help us pursue the ESR/TER to be able to say with confidence that the Z Panels do meet code, along with securing a lease on a manufacturing center. The ESR/TER process has already begun. Now we can say with more confidence that we should be ale to demonstrate code compliance and start production by Q4 2022. That is what strategic partners want to hear. We have had one developer say that may want tp purchase $20-$40 million in Z Panels annually. However, at this point that was an expression of interest and we don't have an LOI signed yet. We are working on that though and traction/momentum is really starting to build.
- Q: Hi Zachary, you mentioned that you will continue to raise funds this year. Will this happen at a higher valuation?
  - A: Yes, that will be the case Martin.
- Q: ​ Thanks for your response Zachary. I have a few follow-ups: * Since the patent is not held by Sativa Building Systems, could you please expand on if Sativa Building Systems will be the sole company to use the patient technology that you personally will have a stake in? If not, could you explain if the safeguards are in place for your investors that Sativa Building Systems will be the exclusive or primary vehicle used to commercialize the technology for the building market? For example, anything to ensure additional companies that use the patent don't benefit unfairly after the heavy lifting of meeting standards, demo, market penetration which will be achieved by Sativa Building Systems? * Could you explain why building a model home is put ahead of meeting residential code standards on your road map? Is the demo home essential to meet the code standards? Will the owners of the home be financing it, will the building be owned by Sativa Building Systems long term, or what is the plan for the model home? * Does it look like Sativa Building Systems will be raising the full $500k this year? If the full amount is not able to be raised, what is the priority of the three uses of the funds (Technical Evaluation Report, secure manufacturing facility, and model home)?
  - A: Regarding the patent, yes, Sativa Building Systems is the only company that has the right to use the patent, and that is protected through an exclusive licensing agreement.  The company does have the right to sublicense, which is a possibility if the right opportunity arises. If Sativa Building Systems were to sublicense the rights to the Z Panel design, all royalties/profits would be passed through the company, Sativa Building Systems, and any person/entity who shares an equity stake in the company would then also share in those profits.  Right now, it is not our intent to sublicense the design. However, if that becomes the best path to get to market, and make the company successful, we will keep that door open.  Currently, no other company has the right to use the Z Panel patent besides Sativa Building Systems, and our intent is to exclusively manufacture, market, and sell the Z Panel.    We view the building of a model home as a very beneficial marketing and promotional step.  The model home will help alleviate any concerns not just about the functionality of a Z Panel home, but also the aesthetics.  Our goal is to build a sustainable home that looks beautiful, but conventional, to minimize any stigmas around green/sustainable buildings.  As far as timing, since the code approval process has actually been sped up by the recent approval by the International Code Council to recommend hempcrete building be added to the appendix of the International Residential Code (see link below), these steps will likely be flipped.  This means hempcrete materials could have code approval as soon as September.  Additionally, we have already started the TER/ESR process specifically for the Z Panel, and one way or another, will almost certainly have a product that complies with building codes before the end of 2022.  The model home is important, but not as important as code approval.  In terms of financing the home, we are exploring multiple paths to ensure this will not be a company expense.  One very viable option is a grant.  We have applied for a federal grant through the Department of Energy ARPA-E program, and will know in the next few months if this is approved.  If we do not get the grant, we will explore other financing options. Either way, our goal with the model home is that it meets these criteria:  1. Be at a minimum cost neutral for the company 2. Provide a substantial promotional opportunity for the company in the construction phase and the completed phase. This means that whoever occupies the home will be willing to allow for viewing/tours etc.  I am considering personally funding the home and occupying it, to ensure this happens.  Sativa Building Systems will not own the home.  Regarding additional fundraising this year.  Yes, it is our goal to continue fundraising to get to $500K this year, and potentially beyond. By meeting this initial Wefunder fundraising amount of $125K, we feel very confident in at least completing the Technical Evaluation Report (TER or ESR). The priorities have shifted a little, as we realize that we may need to produce a significant amount of Z Panels for the evaluation report, and therefore purchasing equipment and pursuing manufacturing space is potentially more important than the model home.  Even if we get code approval without the evaluation report through the ICC recommendation mentioned prior, we will need to begin manufacturing soon because that means the market opportunity will increase very quickly.  So our priorities right now would be facility/equipment, TER/ESR, and model home, in that order. https://ushba.org/hemp-lime-irc-proposal-recommended-for-approval/
- Q: The project that I am currently pricing out is a pole barn or steel building. Your product seems like it would be a good fit for my plans of a 30 x 60 foot building and something I could do myself with friends. Your product seems like it would fit into this market, easier than the housing market. If you need a place to test it I have 18 acres a couple of miles from Penn State University. Also who are you buying your hemp from?
  - A: David, I sincerely apologize for delay. The portal was not showing me all questions. We would love to consider supplying Z Panels for your project. Please send me an email at zach@sativapanel.com. We now source our hemp domestically and work with US Hemp Hurd.
- Q: Are you growing this Hemp yourself or will you outsource?
  - A: Hi Mario. We purchase all the hemp at the moment, we do not grow it ourselves.
- Q: Hello Zachary, I see you have answered most questions quite brilliantly. However I would love to discuss further, first having a more detailed look at your financials including projections especially for the industry you're in and also about alternative funding opportunities available at our company if we are satisfied. You can drop me an email at richard@700capital.com, then we can start looking at financing your whole target. Thanks.
  - A: Richard, I sincerely apologize for delay. The portal was not showing me all questions. I will send you an email.
- Q: 1. How is your company's Z-panel different from a compressed straw board or CAFboard - functionally, economically and in terms of market segment? 2. Any other ways your company is planning to operate and scale differently than the companies that have produced compressed straw board or CAFboard products over the past couple decades? 3. Could you confirm if the patent has been approved, what the patent number is, and that the company that is issuing these SAFEs being offered has sole ownership of this patent (or if not, explain the arrangement)?
  - A: Hi Monica. Again, I apologize for the delay. Now that I see these questions, I am happy to answer. Here is how the Z Panel is different than compressed straw board or CAFBoard. Those products are essentially a 1:1 replacement for other conventional materials, namely OSB sheathing or gypsum board. They are panelized products meant to cover either the interior or exterior of a wall. The Z Panel is a 4:1 material replacement. It takes place of insulation, gypsum board, vapor barrier, and OSB sheathing. It is not just a wall panel material, it is multifunctional. So, it is different in functionality, but also different in economic potential because building with the Z Panel will eventually not be any more expensive than conventional materials. I do not believe that the strawboard or CAFBoard are truly competitive in price with their conventional alternatives. They may have been for a time, but as lumber prices drop again, they probably won’t be. Our costs should decrease in time as the hemp supply chain gains strength. It's hard for me to speak to how we will scale differently from those specific companies, but I can speak to how I see us scaling differently in comparison to some other hempcrete companies. Our goal is to enter the market soon, and scale in proportion to demand. We are okay with starting small and serving a small demand, knowing that as we gain a foothold in the market, demand will grow as we produce real products and homes, instead of CAD renderings. Other companies are waiting until they have the investments to build manufacturing facilities that cost tens of millions before they even begin production. We are okay with starting with a micro-factory, and potentially establishing many small factories strategically located around the US so serve our customers. Yes, the patent has been issued. It is: patents.google.com/patent/US10753091B2/en. The Patent # is 10753091. That patent was issued on 8/25/2020. I, Zachary Popp, am the patent holder and yes Sativa Building Systems has full authority to manufacture and sell products associated with the patent.
- Q: How are the z panels/blocks connected to the foundation and roof? How are the blocks/panels secured to each other? Are you looking at ways to increase the strength equal to or greater than concrete blocks to better withstand tornado and hurricane force winds? Have any large building supply companies expressed interest in your product or invested in your company? Thanks
  - A: Great question John. Building with he Z Panels actually retains conventional framing. They are fastened to the studs on each side by the embedded cross-bracing, the studs are attached to the top and bottom plates, and the top and bottom plates are attached to the foundation And the roof. The strength of hempcrete is different than concrete. Concrete is superior at withstanding static compressive loads. Hempcrete is more pliable. We don't see a need to make hempcrete as strong as concrete in the same capacity, because that fact that it is pliable and not as brittle is structurally advantageous. A Z Panel home should perform as well or better than a stick built home in hurricane winds. We will soon be going through testing to confirm that. We have had some interest from large developers in investing in the company, yes.
- Q: I've been searching everywhere for information as to whether anyone has experimented with a combination of hempcrete and hemp graphene. Any idea where I might look next? Thanks a lot! andyt003@yahoo.com
  - A: Hi Andy. I have not heard of that yet, but I would be curious to see use cases.