Re:shell - a sustainable building material developed from discarded eggshells.
South Korea, August 21, 2025
A team of South Korean designers has introduced Re:shell, a biodegradable building material made from discarded eggshells. This material aims to address the significant construction waste problem in South Korea, which generates about 45% of the country’s total waste. By utilizing calcium carbonate from eggshells, Re:shell not only provides strength and durability but also decomposes naturally in soil, presenting an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials. Future applications may include structural components and enhanced water resistance, aligning with sustainable building practices.
A new biodegradable building material called Re:shell has been developed by a team of innovative designers in South Korea. This groundbreaking material is made from discarded eggshells and is designed as a modular series of interlocking brick-like elements. By introducing Re:shell, the project aims to tackle South Korea’s significant construction waste issue, which currently accounts for a staggering 45% of the country’s total waste.
The initiative was developed as a response to the environmental challenges that have arisen from rapid industrialization and urbanization in South Korea since the 1970s and 80s. The project is led by the Living Design Lab at Seoul National University, specifically within the Department of Design. Designed to minimize construction waste and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials, Re:shell addresses a pressing need for eco-friendly development in the region.
The choice of eggs as the core material for Re:shell stems from the abundance and convenience of collecting discarded eggshells from local bakeries and restaurants. The primary component of these eggshells, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), acts as a crucial ingredient contributing to the material’s strong binding and hardening properties—similar to those of conventional cement.
The production process for Re:shell is both thoughtful and sustainable. It involves the washing, drying, and grinding of discarded eggshells into a fine powder that is then blended with natural additives. Various additives have been explored to enhance the material’s properties, such as red clay for improved durability, wheat bran to add texture, and straw for increased flexibility and reduced weight.
Initial strength tests have indicated that Re:shell exhibits notable hardness and robustness, making it a viable alternative to conventional building materials. Additionally, one of the remarkable characteristics of this biodegradable material is that it can decompose naturally when buried in soil, which ensures zero residual waste in construction practices.
The design philosophy behind Re:shell is rooted in the belief in a harmonious relationship between nature and human needs, drawing inspiration from traditional Korean architecture. Prototypes have already been created, demonstrating a wide range of applications—from small products to significant architectural structures, such as interior partitions and exterior facades.
Looking ahead, the design team is eager to enhance the water-resistant properties of Re:shell while keeping its 100% biodegradability intact. Future explorations may also investigate the potential of Re:shell as a structural building material, expanding its application beyond just traditional construction practices.
The project has garnered attention within the design community and has been featured in a DIY submissions section, inspiring reader involvement and encouraging submissions for publication. The promise of Re:shell as an eco-friendly building solution aligns with global efforts to reduce construction waste and promote sustainability in the industry.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable | Decomposes naturally when buried in soil, ensuring zero waste. |
| Modular Design | Interlocking brick-like elements for versatile construction. |
| Main Component | Made from discarded eggshells, which are abundant and easy to source. |
| Natural Additives | Enhanced with ingredients like red clay, wheat bran, and straw. |
| Strong Binding | Calcium carbonate provides strength similar to conventional cement. |
| Future Potential | Exploration of water-resistance properties and possible structural applications. |
Re:shell is a biodegradable building material developed from discarded eggshells, designed as modular, interlocking elements to combat construction waste.
Re:shell helps minimize construction waste by using abundant discarded materials (eggshells) and is designed to decompose naturally, producing zero residual waste.
Re:shell has potential applications ranging from small products to large architectural structures, including interior partitions and exterior facades.
West of Wolf Pack Park (university campus), August 21, 2025 News Summary Final financing closed and…
, August 21, 2025 News Summary Apex Money Lending Group has broadened its commercial real estate…
Florida, August 21, 2025 News Summary The Florida Legislature has approved HB 7031, establishing new sales…
Columbus, Ohio, August 21, 2025 News Summary Columbus, Ohio, ranks fifth in the nation for apartment…
News Summary Westchester County is making significant strides to combat the affordable housing crisis affecting…
Lawrence, Kansas, August 21, 2025 News Summary The Judicial and Law Enforcement Center in Lawrence has…