SEOUL DESIGN AWARD

The Earthstone Project, launched in Brussels, Belgium, is an experiment in reimagining discarded soil from construction sites and reviving it into a resource for creating everyday objects. By combining local soil as raw material with artisanal sensibilities and industrial techniques, the project produces household items that are both durable and lightweight. Beyond material research, it develops bonding methods that make soil as strong as stone while allowing repair and recycling, reducing environmental impact and suggesting new possibilities for interior applications.

With this approach, soil is no longer a discarded byproduct with flaws, but it is a valuable sensory and practical resource. Uneven textures and irregular surfaces expressed in objects highlight the honesty and symbolism of the material, as well as offering users a tactile experience and emotional resonance. Furthermore, Earthstone transforms readily available urban soil into a valuable resource, creating circular value within the city. The project is also expected to create jobs, ensuring fair compensation for makers and encouraging habits of repair and reuse.

Soil can be found on the outskirts of virtually any city worldwide, and the low-energy production process can be replicated without specialized equipment. When traditional earthcraft merges with contemporary design language, it holds a promising potential to evolve into a sustainable lifestyle model. Earthstone can contribute to the revival of local culture and craftsmanship, while demonstrating a scalable solution to address the global environmental crisis.