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 team of South Korean designers has made remarkable strides in the field of sustainable construction by developing Re:shell, a biodegradable building material crafted from discarded eggshells. This innovative approach aims to combat an alarming issue in South Korea, where the construction sector generates a whopping 45% of the country’s total waste.
The concept for Re:shell was born out of the pressing environmental challenges that have arisen due to rapid industrialization and urbanization experienced in South Korea since the 1970s and 80s. Acknowledging the need for sustainable alternatives in the industry, the design team associated with the Living Design Lab at Seoul National University has embarked on this ambitious project.
The choice of eggs as the core material for Re:shell is strategic, given their abundance and the ease with which they can be collected from local bakeries and restaurants. Eggs are an excellent raw material because their main component, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), provides the binding and hardening qualities similar to cement, ensuring structural integrity.
The production process for Re:shell includes several steps: washing, drying, and grinding the eggshells into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with natural additives to enhance the material’s properties. The design team has experimented with various additives, such as red clay for increased durability, wheat bran for improved texture, and straw to achieve flexibility and a lighter weight.
In strength tests, Re:shell has showcased impressive hardness while also possessing the unique ability to decompose naturally when buried in soil. This leads to zero residual waste, aligning with the project’s ethos of harmony between human needs and the environment. The design philosophy draws inspiration from traditional Korean architecture, emphasizing a balance between nature and human habitation.
Prototypes of the Re:shell material have been developed for various applications, covering a spectrum from small products to larger architectural designs, including interior partitions and exterior facades. The design team aims to improve the material’s water-resistant properties while ensuring its complete biodegradability.
Looking ahead, the project team is exploring the possibilities of using Re:shell as a structural building material, which would expand its range of applications in traditional construction. The exciting potential of Re:shell has caught the attention of the design community, becoming part of a DIY submissions feature by a design platform, which encourages reader submissions for publication.
As the issues surrounding construction waste continue to escalate, innovative solutions like Re:shell represent a promising step towards a more sustainable future in the building industry. By utilizing discarded eggshells, this project not only addresses waste but also highlights the growing trend of incorporating environmentally friendly materials in construction practices.
Re:shell is a biodegradable building material made from discarded eggshells, aimed at reducing construction waste.
Re:shell is produced by washing, drying, and grinding eggshells into a fine powder, which is then mixed with natural additives to enhance its properties.
Re:shell is environmentally friendly as it decomposes naturally and produces zero residual waste, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials.
Yes, Re:shell has prototypes developed for various applications, including large-scale structures like interior partitions and exterior facades.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Material | Discarded eggshells |
| Waste Reduction | Addresses 45% of South Korea’s construction waste |
| Main Ingredient | Calcium carbonate for binding and hardening |
| Production Steps | Washing, drying, grinding, and mixing with additives |
| Biodegradability | Decomposes naturally without residual waste |
| Applications | Interior partitions, exterior facades, and more |
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