Tiles from construction waste (lecture only accessible in German)
Leya Bilgic - SHARDS

SHARDS are the result of an intensive material study on the recycling of mineral construction waste. Through a two-year research process, Lea Schücking succeeded in developing tiles with a great visual variety, whose body and glaze are made exclusively of different mixtures of recycled bricks and recycled glass. SHARDS tiles are an innovative product whose properties are comparable to conventionally manufactured tiles, but whose production conserves primary raw materials and reduces the burden on landfills. The manufacturing process allows 100% recycling of broken SHARDS tiles.

The ingredients of the recycled materials determine the colors of the tiles. SHARDS comes in a wide range of colors and finishes. Colors range from cream, ochre, brown, gray and black to a rich palette of greens and turquoise tones. The finishes can be smooth glossy, soft to the touch or rough. Due to the similar raw materials, tiles of different recipes harmonize with each other and can also be installed in combination. Individual pieces of tile that have not been loosened make each SHARDS tile unique.  

The process of manufacturing SHARDS tiles is still at the prototype level. Production capacities are correspondingly low. Currently, selected pilot projects are being implemented in cooperation with architectural firms.