The Brew Brick began as an experiment at Studio Egret West, exploring whether used coffee grounds could be transformed into a viable construction material. In collaboration with York Handmade Brick Company, this idea evolved into a hands-on process of testing, iteration, and refinement.
Throughout January 2026, coffee grounds from our studio kitchen were collected (in a very SEW-style yellow bin), dried, and transported to the factory, where they were incorporated into traditional clay mixes. Trial bricks were produced with 5%, 10%, and 15% ground coffee waste content to assess performance and structural integrity.
The result? A brick containing around 10% less clay and weighing approximately 5% less. Incorporating 500g of ground coffee waste achieved the most effective balance between strength and material integration, producing a robust aerated unit. In addition to reducing raw material demand, this approach diverts coffee waste from landfill and returns it to the construction cycle, supporting circular economy principles.
This is just the beginning. Something exciting is brewing…
Watch this space.
