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Actualités Natura Mater

Sustainable Foundations with Seashells: EcoSchelp's Natural Insulation Solution

As the construction industry increasingly seeks sustainable alternatives, EcoSchelp introduces a natural solution with seashell insulation, a reliable, eco-friendly choice for foundations and crawlspace insulation. This technique, common along the North Sea coast, is ideal for managing water efficiently, a critical aspect of resilient, adaptable design in flood-prone areas.


Sustainable Foundations with Seashells: EcoSchelp's Natural Insulation Solution

A Co-Product with a Purpose: Seashells from the North Sea

The seashells used by EcoSchelp are a byproduct of regular dredging along the North Sea, ensuring that existing resources are put to use rather than discarded. Once collected, the shells undergo a thorough cleaning process to prepare them for construction use, becoming a stable, low-impact insulation material. This approach reduces waste and provides a highly effective alternative to synthetic options like PUR and EPS.


Pioneering Sustainability: A Vision from Teun

Founded by Teun, a committed entrepreneur and sustainability pioneer, EcoSchelp is reshaping the landscape of construction materials through innovative, natural solutions. His dedication has not only popularized the use of seashells as a sustainable building material but also demonstrated their efficacy and adaptability in diverse construction contexts. “Our goal is to provide simple, sustainable solutions that serve both the builder and the environment,” Teun explains.


Why Seashells Are Ideal for Sustainable Design: Usquare as a Leading Example

EcoSchelp recently delivered 300 m³ of seashell insulation for ULB at the Usquare site, moving beyond the testing phase to establish this product as a new standard in ground slab insulation and drainage. This project demonstrates that seashells are not only practical but scalable, meeting the performance needs for insulation and natural drainage across extensive applications.

The design by BC Architects, a team known for pushing boundaries in sustainable materials, showcases the seamless integration of seashell insulation as an effective, eco-friendly alternative. Thanks to this collaboration, Usquare stands as a model for adopting circular materials, where local, renewable resources like seashells can make a substantial impact on future construction norms.


Efficient Installation and High-Load Stability

EcoSchelp’s seashell insulation can be blown directly into place, making it effective for hard-to-reach crawl spaces or areas under flooring. This technique ensures quick, even distribution, ideal for compact crawl spaces often found in Belgium. In addition to easy application, seashells offer robust stability and load-bearing capacity suitable for high-traffic surfaces:

  • 650 kg/m³ density: Withstands loads up to 88 kPa, ideal for foundations in residential spaces, parking areas, and terraces.

  • 1,000 kg/m³ density: Supports loads up to 122 kPa, recommended for industrial areas and high-load zones.


Cost-Effective and Locally Sourced

Seashell insulation is economically advantageous due to low raw material costs and efficient installation. With shells sourced locally, transportation emissions and expenses are minimized, while the installation process is both quick and labor-saving.

EcoSchelp demonstrates how an abundant natural resource can be reimagined for sustainable construction, thanks to Teun’s leadership and innovative spirit. This technique combines simplicity, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, supporting a circular approach to modern building needs.

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