Reefine is a modular artificial reef made from recycled oyster shells, designed to enhance coral restoration efficiency, improve marine biodiversity, and promote sustainable reef ecosystems through biomimetic structures and circular material applications.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
Coral reefs are essential to global marine ecosystems, but climate change and human activities have led to increasing coral bleaching and habitat degradation. Current coral restoration methods often rely on concrete, metal, or plastic structures, which can disrupt marine ecosystems and cause long-term pollution. Reefine utilizes recycled oyster shells and sodium alginate to create an eco-friendly, biodegradable artificial reef that seamlessly integrates into marine environments. Its biomimetic design minimizes the impact of water flow and sediment on coral attachment while enhancing biodiversity. The modular system allows for expansion and adaptation based on different reef conditions, improving efficiency for restoration teams. Additionally, Reefine supports community participation by enabling local production through a simple mold-based process, reducing costs and increasing accessibility. By applying circular design principles, Reefine transforms marine waste into coral restoration substrates, enhances environmental benefits, promotes marine biodiversity, advances coral conservation through collaborations with NGOs, government agencies and local communities.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
The design inspiration for Reefine comes from the Schwarz Minimal Surface, a biomimetic geometric structure that optimizes water flow circulation and reduces sediment deposition, ensuring that coral seedlings are not buried. Reefine is primarily made from recycled oyster shells, a marine waste rich in calcium carbonate that is compatible with the composition of coral reefs, providing an ideal substrate for attachment. Its design incorporates a porous structure that mimics natural coral reefs, promoting marine biodiversity. Additionally, Reefine uses a low environmental impact molding process, enabling efficient local production and reducing transportation and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, sodium alginate, a natural binder, ensures the material maintains a stable structure while being biodegradable. Reefine’s modular design offers high scalability, allowing restoration teams to adjust installation methods based on environmental conditions.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
Unlike traditional coral restoration bases made from concrete or plastic, Reefine is biodegradable, scalable, and ecologically integrated. Its biomimetic Minimal Surface structure reduces sediment accumulation, ensuring coral seedlings grow undisturbed. Existing restoration methods often require plastic zip ties or metal wires to secure corals, whereas Reefine uses sodium alginate, a natural, non-toxic binder that dissolves over time, leaving only the coral and reef structure. Additionally, its modular design allows adaptation to different marine environments, enhancing restoration flexibility. Reefine also incorporates circular economy principles, transforming marine waste (oyster shells) into a valuable ecological resource. While some solutions rely on 3D-printed reef structures, high costs and transportation challenges limit scalability. In contrast, Reefine’s simple mold-based production reduces costs and enables local communities to manufacture reef units, making coral restoration more accessible and affordable worldwide. By integrating sustainable materials, ecological design and localized production, Reefine offers a comprehensive, forward-thinking solution for coral restoration.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
Reefine aligns closely with the growing concerns of the younger generation regarding climate change and marine conservation. It allows young people to actively engage in marine restoration while also inspiring more individuals to invest in sustainable development. During the design process, we connected with the Delta Electronics Foundation, which has been dedicated to coral restoration in Taiwan for years, leveraging their expertise and technology to optimize coral restoration possibilities.
This design also holds significant tourism potential, particularly appealing to younger audiences. As environmental awareness rises, more young people are passionate about participating in marine conservation and sustainable development activities. Reefine not only serves as part of restoration efforts but can also function as an innovative tourist attraction. This combination of tourism and education helps more people understand the importance of marine conservation while inspiring the younger generation to take on social responsibility.
