<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-03T15:52:43Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/EA2D950E-AD30-4906-B48A-C20EBAC945A1" ns1:id="EA2D950E-AD30-4906-B48A-C20EBAC945A1"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/8DB9E1E2-DDE9-41E9-B885-106F8BA0DB1D" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/1917FE30-3B6D-497B-B0A1-59BB2E3932E9" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/1917FE30-3B6D-497B-B0A1-59BB2E3932E9" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2024-11-30T00:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/6927749D-0AA2-4AF2-8513-0428E94E586F" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2023-12-01T00:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10096901</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Transitioning Toward a Circular Approach for Architectural Material: Implementing Oyster[Crete], a Bio-Alternative to Traditional Concrete</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Investment Accelerator</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>The project, titled &amp;quot;Transitioning Toward a Circular Approach for Architectural Material: Implementing Oyster\[Crete\], a Bio-Alternative to Traditional Concrete,&amp;quot; aims to revolutionise sustainable architecture and design. The initiative is centred around Oyster\[Crete\], an innovative biomaterial with a set of key objectives and features.

Historically, the construction industry has heavily relied on resource-intensive materials like cement and plaster, resulting in environmental depletion and significant waste generation. This traditional &amp;quot;take, make, waste&amp;quot; model no longer aligns with the growing awareness of the imperative for sustainable building practices.

A central aspect of the project involves the Circular Material Solution: Oyster\[Crete\] utilises discarded oyster shells, which share the same chemical composition as valuable limestone, to create an alternative construction material. This approach not only diverts oyster shells from landfills but also conserves precious natural resources.

Moreover, Oyster\[Crete\] serves as a bio-alternative to traditional concrete and plaster, effectively reducing waste and minimizing the construction industry's environmental impact. Its versatility is another hallmark, making it suitable for an array of architectural applications, ranging from interior design elements to furniture and even sculptures.

In essence, the project's focus on harnessing the potential of oyster shells as a circular material represents an innovative and sustainable direction for the construction industry. By pushing the boundaries of material innovation, this initiative leads a significant shift towards a more environmentally responsible and resource-efficient built environment. Collectively, the project and its stakeholders are poised to catalyze positive change within the construction industry, exploring practical materiality, digital design, and the economic benefits of oysters. Ultimately, it offers a fresh and circular approach to architectural materials, embodying the principles of sustainability and innovation.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>