Innovative Biodegradable Building Material Developed

South Korea, August 21, 2025

News Summary

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.

Innovative Biodegradable Building Material Developed in South Korea

A team of designers from South Korea has made headlines with their unique and environmentally friendly building material known as Re:shell, crafted from discarded eggshells. This new material represents a progressive step forward in addressing the substantial issue of construction waste in the country, which currently accounts for an astounding 45% of the nation’s total waste.

Rooted in the Living Design Lab at Seoul National University’s Department of Design, the initiative was launched as a direct response to the environmental challenges arising from rapid industrialization and urban growth since the 1970s and 1980s. Through ingenuity and a commitment to sustainability, the team aimed to develop a product that not only minimized waste but also blended traditional architectural principles with modern design.

Design and Composition of Re:shell

Re:shell is designed as a series of modular, interlocking, brick-like elements, making it suitable for various applications ranging from small items to large-scale construction projects. Eggs were selected as the primary resource not only due to their high availability from local bakeries and restaurants but also because of the valuable properties contained within the eggshells.

The main component of the eggshells, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), provides strong binding and hardening capabilities, akin to traditional cement. The process for creating Re:shell involves washing, drying, and grinding the shells into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with natural additives to improve the material’s properties.

Natural Additives Enhancing Material Properties

The designers experimented with a variety of additives to enhance durability, texture, and flexibility. These additives included:

• Red clay for increased durability
• Wheat bran for texture
• Straw to add flexibility and reduce weight

Research has shown that Re:shell exhibits high hardness in strength tests and remarkably decomposes when buried in the soil, supporting the objective of achieving zero residual waste.

Architectural Philosophy and Future Prospects

The design philosophy driving this project emphasizes a harmonious relationship between nature and human needs, drawing inspiration from traditional Korean architecture. The versatility of Re:shell allows it to be applied in various settings, including interior partitions and exterior facades. As prototypes continue to be developed, the design team plans to explore improving its water-resistant properties while maintaining the essential feature of 100% biodegradability.

Future explorations may also consider Re:shell’s potential as a structural building material, aiming for its application to extend beyond conventional uses. This innovative project aligns itself with a growing global trend of sustainable design and construction practices.

Engagement with the Design Community

The design community has welcomed the Re:shell project as part of a DIY submissions feature, inviting readers to contribute their ideas and perspectives. This grassroots engagement highlights a burgeoning interest in sustainable design and the pursuit of environmentally friendly construction solutions.

FAQ Section

Key Features of Re:shell

Feature	Description
Material	Made from discarded eggshells, resulting in biodegradable construction materials.
Design	Modular, interlocking elements resembling bricks for versatility in applications.
Environmental Impact	Addresses the construction waste issue, accounting for 45% of total waste in South Korea.
Additives	Includes red clay, wheat bran, and straw to improve durability, texture, and flexibility.
Decomposition	Can decompose naturally when buried in soil, ensuring no residual waste.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• Designboom: Re:shell Biodegradable Building Material
• Advanced Science News: Biodegradable Bioplastics
• Laotian Times: ESG-focused Upcycling and Eco-friendly Collaboration
• Nature: Research on Biodegradable Materials
• Korea Herald: News on Sustainable Building Materials