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Found: Hazelnut Shells Used for Construction Purposes

An Upper Franconian brickworks has found an alternative eco-friendly building material that could potentially replace sand, like quartz sand, which is running short globally. The new material: hazelnut shells.

SymClub
May 24, 2024
2 min read
NewsHouse constructionMunich regional newsRegionalNews domesticHazelnutNurembergBuilding sitePalzer KarinaSandRaw materialsNuremberg regional newsSustainabilityInvention
For the perfect hazelnut plaster, you need clay, water and finely ground hazelnut shells
For the perfect hazelnut plaster, you need clay, water and finely ground hazelnut shells

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Globally, there's a scarcity of sand. - Found: Hazelnut Shells Used for Construction Purposes

A groundbreaking concept has the potential to transform the construction sector and preserve the environment. Gabriele Götz, a 57-year-old building biologist and managing director of a brickworks with five employees, says, "We've been producing clay bricks for the seventh generation. I aimed to develop an eco-friendly building material with limited resources in mind."

Initial investigations with a coffee grinder

Following numerous trials, Götz discovered a promising alternative online: "I learned that fine particles of hazelnut shells could also replace sand." This revelation prompted her to initiate the first tests using a coffee grinder. Currently, she utilizes a chopper to crush the shells. "We no longer need sand with hazelnut shells," explains Götz. These hazelnut shells are employed not only in plaster but also in newly developed clay building boards, and they serve as fillers for cavity dry fill. Additionally, they're incorporated into clay screed. A 25 kg bag costs 15 euros.

Hazelnut shells instead of sand. While sand is finite, hazelnut shells are a renewable material

To create the perfect hazelnut plaster, combine clay, water, and finely ground hazelnut shells with a stirring rod until the plaster reaches the desired consistency, enabling easy application with a trowel.

An abundant, recyclable raw material with impressive strength

The innovative hazelnut plaster is produced in this brickworks. The company has been family-owned for over 170 years

The benefits of hazelnut shells: they're an abundant, recyclable resource boasting high compressive strength. Götz procures hazelnut shells from Frankengenuss, a company based in Cadolzburg that specializes in hazelnuts. She remarks, "We haven't felt the building crisis's impact. We've been using the renewable raw material hazelnut shells at various construction sites for over a year. We plan to expand and meet the growing demand. I'm also conducting further research, with coffee grounds synthesizing the next filler plaster in line."

The old light railroad used to transport the clay from the pit to the production site

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Source: symclub.org

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