Yingfei Zhuo

EcoShell is a project that uses oyster shells and the adhesive extracted from fish bones, two types of marine waste, to create decorative exterior tiles suitable for coastal buildings. These tiles have enhanced resistance to salt and wind corrosion, making them ideal for withstanding the harsh effects of seawater and wind. Through EcoShell, I partnered with New York City’s Billion Oyster Project to repurpose discarded oyster shells as an ecofriendly alternative to traditional non-recyclable building materials.

EcoShell incorporates sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility in a unique way. As a cross-building material and a tool for biomaterial design, it promotes sustainability and allows for collaboration with local volunteer environmental initiatives. In addition, it addresses the global issue of discarded oyster shells. During the design process, I designed and tested the tiles from an industrial design perspective, carefully considering their details and structure and their integration with architecture and urban design. This holistic approach reflects the practical application of sustainability principles and EcoShell’s commitment to environmental stewardship.