why NUT is a material research project that originates from a common practice in rural areas: the burning of fallen leaves, particularly those of walnut trees, which release harmful emissions when incinerated. Despite its environmental impact, this method remains a widespread way of managing organic waste.

The project explores an alternative approach by transforming walnut leaf litter into a natural composite material. The process involves collecting, breaking down, and recomposing the leaves with natural binders, using simple, local, low-energy techniques. The development of the material remains closely linked to its place of origin and available resources.

So far, the composite has been tested through small-scale applications to evaluate its durability, workability, and visual qualities, alongside the optimization of its composition to achieve desired density and material properties. Current investigations focus on scaling the material for larger uses while maintaining its low-tech and locally adaptable production logic.

By repositioning leaf litter as a resource rather than waste, why NUT contributes to ongoing discussions around circular material practices and distributed approaches to design and production.

Veronika Róza Háló (she/her) is a Budapest-based architectural designer who works at the intersection of architecture, exhibition, product design and material research and development. She graduated with a BA and an MA in Architectural Design from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) in 2021.