This collection brings together some of the most innovative materials in construction for 2025, offering solutions that prioritise performance, functionality, and environmental considerations.
South Korea generates hundreds of thousands of tons of seashell waste annually, leading to significant environmental challenges. To address this, researchers and designers are exploring ways to integrate this marine byproduct into construction materials. One such initiative is the Eco Hanok Project, part of the Gwangju Biennale’s Re:Folly program. This project demonstrates how waste materials can be transformed into viable building components through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
BC Materials, alongside Atelier Luma, Assemble, Chosun University, and Claymax, played a central role in developing compressed bricks made from oyster shells. These bricks consist of 70% recycled seashell waste, combined with lime derived from cockle shells and reclaimed concrete. The result is a low-carbon, unfired masonry unit that offers an alternative to conventional cement and fired bricks.
Local manufacturer Claymax utilized their expertise in earthen construction to produce these bricks, while Chosun University’s Laboratory on Construction and Building Materials conducted tests to optimize the composition for durability. Approximately 4,000 of these seashell-based bricks were produced and used to construct an exterior garden wall around the Eco Hanok.
Recycling seashell waste into construction materials offers multiple advantages:
The bricks achieved an initial compressive strength of 3.4 MPa, making them suitable for non-load-bearing applications such as walls and infill structures. While they may not replace high-strength materials, their freeze-thaw resistance suggests they are a viable option for exterior applications.
The Eco Hanok project aligns with South Korea’s national initiatives to repurpose seashell waste. Recent legal changes now allow shells to be used in industrial applications, such as steel production and cement alternatives. The government has also invested in large-scale shell recycling facilities to improve material processing efficiency.
Beyond seashells, South Korea’s sustainable construction sector is expanding, with projects utilizing bio-based materials like rice husks, seaweed-based biopolymers, and recycled plastics. These efforts reflect a shift toward resource-efficient and environmentally responsible building practices.
The Gwangju Biennale has been instrumental in fostering material experimentation through its Gwangju Folly program. By bringing together international researchers and local craftsmen, the event has demonstrated how architecture can serve as a platform for circular design and sustainable urban development.
Through hands-on workshops and real-world applications, the Eco Hanok project serves as a prototype for integrating seashell waste into construction. The collaboration between BC Materials, Chosun University, and Claymax showcases how local materials can be adapted for low-impact, high-value applications.
While seashell-based bricks remain in an experimental phase, they represent a promising step toward reducing marine waste and lowering the environmental footprint of the construction industry. With continued research, cost-effective scaling and improved mechanical properties could make them a mainstream building material.
South Korea’s push for circular economy solutions, coupled with initiatives like the Eco Hanok, highlights how material innovation can drive sustainable progress. By integrating marine byproducts into construction, the industry can move closer to resource-efficient, low-carbon building solutions that benefit both the environment and local economies.
Explore BC Materials' innovative earth-based solutions, from clay plasters to rammed earth mixes, on revalu. Check them out here.
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