Reef Regeneration Project

Reef Regeneration is at the core of our project. Our material aims to be an environmentally conscious alternative to concrete in protecting coastlines and creating marine habitats. We do this through the material composition, structure, and manufacturing process. Using 3D printing, REEFRACT creates structures with a maximal surface and minimal mass, contributing to coastal protection without the side effects of throwing massive pieces of concrete into the sea.

 

Part of the problem we are solving is the increased ocean acidity. That has risen three times higher than pre-industrial levels. REEFRACT's material properties act as a base, reducing the acidity.

 

Furthermore, as larger-scale projects such as Econcrete have proven, artificial reefs directly reduce underwater noise pollution, a major disturbance to marine life. REEFRACT's parametric design incorporates elements to reduce the intensity of noise pollution.

​

After a year and a half of prototyping and research, REEFRACT has placed its first instalment in the Mediterranean Sea. We used two different hybrid materials and they have begun being colonised by the local flora and fauna.

​

There are several new instalments and pilot projects planned in the coming year.