Søuld: Where nature’s resources meet material innovation

Reimagining the role of eelgrass in modern building

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After more than a decade of research and development, Søuld has emerged as a leader in using eelgrass for construction. It is the first company to convert the material into certified CO2-storing building panels (see full EPD). The result is a fusion of natural performance and modern design: panels that offer high acoustic performance, fire safety, durability and refined aesthetics.

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The use of eelgrass in construction dates back to the 1600s. On the Danish island Læsø, settlers would forge thick roof thatching for their ‘seaweed houses’, a technique unseen elsewhere. Using layers of durable eelgrass, these homes exemplified a natural approach to building with locally available materials. Today, Søuld draws on this heritage to reinvent eelgrass through state-of-the-art technology, giving new life to an overlooked resource in new designs.

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Eelgrass is an overlooked resource with numerous inherent qualities that make it well-suited for use as a building material. Its naturally high content of mineral salts makes it resistant to fire, mould and bacteria. It also provides effective humidity regulation and thermal comfort, without chemical treatment. Søuld enhances these natural properties through its production process.

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To protect fragile marine ecosystems, Søuld only collects eelgrass once it has washed ashore, leaving natural eelgrass meadows untouched. Søuld works closely with local farmers, municipalities, and marine ecologists to safeguard the surrounding environment.

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