Oyster Matter is an architectural design project that puts the theory of circular design into practice through both physical material prototyping and digital computation. The development of oystercrete, a biomaterial developed from oyster shell waste, is explored as an alternative to traditional cement. Rich in calcium carbonate, a valuable building compound, and with over 2,300 tonnes of shells produced annually in the UK, the exploration of oyster shells is vital in addressing ecological, economic, and societal concerns.

The project’s initial outcomes offer many sustainable benefits and address the immediate concern of shell waste. However, oysters are over-harvested and are an essential part of marine ecosystems that promote biodiversity and aid in water filtration. To address this issue, the project proposes using ‘seacrete’, a substance which is artificially cultivated by submerging steel rebar frames, connected to an electrical current, in the sea. Throughout the process, limestone minerals grow over the surface, resulting in a thick white material that is three times stronger than traditional cement. The resulting architecture contributes to the restoration of marine ecosystems.