Coastruction Dives Into Novel Solutions for 3D Printing Reefs

Oceans are key to the planet’s health, and that is why humans must protect them. Several companies have leveraged 3D printing technology to aid ocean conservation in recent years, and their work has been nothing short of innovative. Some common initiatives we’ve seen include creating fish meat alternatives, constructing seawalls and coral reefs, and transforming ocean waste into 3D printing filament.

One notable organization in this field is the Dutch company Coastruction, which specializes in 3D printed reefs. According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, around 25 percent of the ocean’s fish rely on coral reefs, and they provide crucial habitats for shelter, food, and reproduction for countless marine organisms. Beyond their ecological significance, coral reefs also benefit humans by protecting coastlines from storms and erosion, generating jobs, and offering sources of food and medicine. Unfortunately, these vital systems face significant threats from overfishing, pollution, and the devastating effects of climate change, including rising ocean temperatures and increasing acidity. All of these factors contribute to a dramatic decline in global coral reef health.

This is why companies like Coastruction are committed to restoring local coral reefs. In an interview with 3Dnatives, Nadia Fani, the founder of Coastruction, shared insights into their inspiring mission and what sets Coastruction apart.

3DN: Could you introduce yourself and your connection to 3D printing?

I am Nadia, founder of Coastruction, and I am passionate about 3D printing. I’ve been working with it since 2015, and my journey into this field started with a fascination in how technology could revolutionize manufacturing. I started working with extrusion printers and assembling my own solution, but when I discovered powder bed 3D printing I fell in love with the possibilities this tech provided, especially with natural materials. Over time, I became particularly interested in how 3D printing could be applied to create meaningful, sustainable solutions. This passion for technology, combined with my love for the ocean and nature, led me to start Coastruction, where I am merging these two interests in a purposeful way. 

The founder of Coastruction, Nadia Fani

3DN: What is the mission of Coastruction and how did it come about?

Coastruction’s mission is to restore and protect underwater ecosystems using innovative 3D printing technology and to make it available to everyone. We aim to combat the degradation of marine environments by building custom, sustainable artificial reefs that mimic natural habitats. The idea came from recognizing the environmental damage caused by traditional methods of reef creation, which often use harmful materials and don’t include a holistic approach in the making, which doesn’t support biodiversity. These materials often include items like car tires, which can leach toxins into the water; metal rebar, which rusts and can cause environmental harm; and simple cast concrete shapes that may not integrate well with the natural marine environment. Using such materials can disrupt local ecosystems and contribute to further degradation.

I wanted to create a solution that would not only restore marine life but do so in a way that respects the environment. Starting a company like Coastruction comes with many challenges, but it’s all worth it when you know you’re making a positive impact.

3DN: Could you explain how the process works for your projects?

We’ve developed an in-house 3D printing system that uses powder bed 3D printing but can print big, rough and fast, using only water in the printhead. This allows us to create complex, intricate reef structures that closely resemble natural formations. Our Purpose Built Reefs are printed using sustainable and local materials, tailored to the needs of specific ecosystems. 

Part of the 3D printing process

Once printed, these reefs are deployed in oceans, rivers, and lakes, where they provide the perfect environment for marine life to thrive. We conduct extensive research to ensure that the structures are ecologically beneficial, adaptable to local conditions, and long-lasting.

3DN: Why do you use 3D printing to create artificial reefs instead of traditional manufacturing?

We use 3D printing to create artificial reefs because traditional manufacturing methods often rely on polluting materials and don’t account for the full complexity of underwater ecosystems. These ecosystems are vital to life on Earth, and any intervention must consider the delicate balance they require to thrive. Standard, geometric, and flat structures often used in traditional methods fail to meet the diverse needs of marine environments.

 With 3D printing, we can design highly complex, intricate structures that more closely mimic natural reefs. This allows us to address multiple needs in a single design, from supporting different species to meeting structural and environmental demands. Additionally, 3D printing offers a waste-free, sustainable process, using recycled and natural materials that integrate better with the environment. Our reefs not only enhance biodiversity but also act as coastal protection barriers, helping to reduce the effects of climate change and protect shorelines.

An image of the 3D printed coral reef soon after it was deposited (left) versus an image of the reef after marine life inhabited it (right)

3DN: How are local communities involved in what you do?

Local communities play a vital role in our projects. We believe in involving them from the beginning of each installation, starting with the design and implementation process because they have invaluable knowledge about the local marine ecosystems and environmental challenges. We work closely with these communities to ensure that our reefs meet their specific needs and to raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation. This collaborative approach also helps instill a sense of ownership, as communities are actively involved in protecting and maintaining the artificial reefs, which benefits both the environment and local livelihoods.

3DN: Could you tell us about any projects you have in the works?

We’re currently working on a few exciting projects, including collaborations with research institutes and maritime contractors. For example, we’ve partnered with TUDelft, Deltares, Boskalis and Van Oord to research and deploy reefs in various marine environments and assess their impact on biodiversity. One of our biggest upcoming projects is a large-scale coral restoration installation in the Red Sea, set for early next year, and marking our first major scale-up. 

We’re also expanding into other ecosystems like mangroves, contributing to both marine life restoration and coastal protection in collaboration with the University of Miami. Additionally, we’re partnering with Weco to do an installation in the North Sea, where our structures will function as eco-anchors for their devices that harvest energy from waves. This builds on our previous work in creating eco-anchors, as we did with TouchWind. We’re continually researching new challenges and opportunities where our purpose-built reefs can make a meaningful impact in restoring marine ecosystems and solving pressing environmental problems.

Another before and after of a 3D printed reef

3DN: Any last words for our readers?

The ocean is vital to our planet’s health, and we all have a role to play in protecting it. Whether through innovative technology like 3D printing or simple everyday actions, there are countless ways we can contribute to marine conservation. At Coastruction, we believe that combining technology and nature can create powerful, sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the environment. If you’re passionate about the ocean, I encourage you to stay informed, get involved, and support initiatives that aim to preserve our underwater world for future generations. To learn more about Coastruction, visit their website here. 

What do you think of Coastruction’s 3D printed reefs? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

*All Photo Credits: Coastruction