3D PRINTED STRUCTURAL SEAWALS THAT PROMOTE THE CREATION OF ARTIFICAL REEFS FOR EFFICIENT PROTECTION OF COASTAL INFRASTUCTURE

Kind Designs is producing the worldÆs first 3D-printed living seawalls to face the effects of extreme weather events intensified by rising sea levels. Kind DesignÆs proprietary method, protected through utility patents, produces structured seawalls with unique features that promote marine biodiversity. The innovative production method generates unique micro and macro textures, as well as caves, tunnels, and holes, which provide habitats for marine organisms to hide from predators and attach themselves to the seawall. The creation of artificial reefs gives seawalls self-healing capabilities and better adaptation to sea-level rise over time, minimizing maintenance while increasing the lifespan of seawalls. In addition, the solution incorporates built-in sensors within the living seawall panels to collect real-time water quality data.