Eggshell Ceramic, Surface collection

The message of the project

10 billion eggs a year are produced in the Netherlands, which makes the country the largest egg exporter in the world. An egg contains a valuable material which is often seen as waste; his shell. Due to its high amount of calcium carbonate eggshell can be used as soil improver. Eggshell Ceramic is a circular material derived from the food industry to show more possibilities with this material. To stimulate more re-use of this food waste, Atelier LVDW investigates how we can use the material one more time before it is given back to nature. The design studio developed a biodegradable but strong material out of the eggshells. The versatile material has the look of ceramics but the benefits of a bio-material. The material can be composted at the end of its lifespan, which will add valuable nutrients to the soil. Atelier LVDW is exploring the craft of the developed bio-material by translating it into a variety of decorative interior objects. Within the Worth Partnership project Atelier LVDW & Sara Bendandi will be working on new product development with the material.
 

The idea behind the project

After working on a first conceptual collection of decorative items, Atelier LVDW is researching the further potentials of this bio-material. By exploring new methodologies and manufacturing methods Laura and her partner Sara would like to give the material new aesthetic outcomes for the interior. This will result in a surface collection that can be translated into custom interior objects. Important elements in the research are an environmentally friendly production process, biodegradable product lifecycle and a durable product outcome.  

The design philosophy of Atelier LVDW can be traced back to Biophilic design principles. Within Biophilic Design, natural elements, materials or objects are placed in the interior to create a calming atmosphere. The calming effect of nature has been researched for decades. Being in green or natural environments would calm the mind and body, also when these elements are placed into the interior or when it’s artificial. These principles are translated into this new project.
 

What next?

Atelier LVDW will develop the needed tools to provide a workable material for her studio which she can use for future products and collaborate on custom items. By diving into this new craft, the design studio will have great understanding of its future product applications. With this new work, food-waste can be given a truly valuable interior application and still be an added nutrient for nature at the end of its use. 

Atelier LVDW understands not all products will be used for a lifetime, for this reason the studio will make a lot of effort on informing the correct re-use of the materials. Sara Bendandi will translate the story of this project into 3D visuals and illustrations to make an easy understanding of the product use, its afterlife and future interior applications.