A bio-alternative to traditional concrete made from recycled Oyster Shells, collected from local restaurants and markets. This material features a wide range of design applications, from architectural surfaces to furniture and interior objects.

Oyster[Crete]®

Introducing...

OYSTERCRETE®

Oyster[Crete]® is a research-driven material innovation developed by Matter Forms through ongoing exploration into circular resources, biomaterials and alternative approaches to construction. Originally emerging from research at The Bartlett, UCL, the material transforms discarded oyster shells into a bio-alternative to traditional concrete and stone materials.

Developed and fabricated in-house, Oyster[Crete]® reimagines waste as a refined architectural material for furniture, objects, surfaces and spatial applications. By utilising the naturally high calcium carbonate content found within oyster shells, the material offers a lower-impact alternative for the built environment while celebrating the raw beauty and mineral character of reclaimed resources.

Supported by

In 2024, Matter Forms received the Innovate UK Unlocking Potential Award to support the continued development of Oyster[Crete]®, a circular biomaterial created from reclaimed oyster shells. The award recognised the studio’s research into transforming local waste streams into refined materials for the built environment.

Supported by UCL Innovation & Enterprise, the Hatchery Incubator, Hackney Wick & Fish Island Community Development Trust, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Innovation District, Matter Forms launched and continues to operate its first micro-manufacturing pilot at The Loop — East London’s first circular economy hub dedicated to sustainable production, material innovation and collaborative making

For project enquiries or to request material samples for upcoming projects, please [contact us].