Reef of Hope - AR for Oyster Reef Restoration

What it does

This topologically designed artificial reef restores oyster habitats, improves water flow, and supports larvae growth. Made with marine-safe material and upcycled oyster shell, it addresses declining biodiversity and pollution in coastal marine ecosystems

Your inspiration

Over 85% of oyster reefs have disappeared globally due to overharvesting, pollution, and habitat destruction and human activities. These reefs are critical for marine biodiversity, water filtration, and coastal protection. Inspired by nature’s resilience and driven by urgent conservation needs, I set out to create an eco-engineering solution that not only restores oyster habitats but does so using sustainable, non-toxic and upcycled materials. The idea emerged from observing how nature uses curved, porous structures to maximise surface area and flow—principles I applied through topological structural design and 3D printing.

How it works

"Reef of Hope" is a modular artificial reef made with 3D-printed marine-safe materials, including biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), calcium carbonate from upcycled oyster shell, and selected minerals. Its structure is inspired by topological design—curved surfaces and interwoven voids increase water flow and surface area for oyster larval settlement. The reef promotes better nutrient exchange and biofilm formation, essential for oyster attachment and marine biodiversity. The porous design reduces resistance, mimics natural substrates, and remains stable in coastal conditions. Crucially, it is a key material solution for preventing persistent microplastic pollution, ensuring long-term ocean safety. It can be deployed easily by divers and tailored to different environments, including degraded coastlines or aquaculture sites.

Design process

The design process began with an unlikely spark at an oyster-tasting class. Hearing how a single oyster filters up to 200 litres of seawater a day—and learning that 85 percent of reefs have vanished—turned dinner into a mission. I immersed myself in oyster biology, reef ecology, mechanical engineering, and fluid dynamics. Early sketches mimicked natural reef ridges, but computer simulations using topology optimisation revealed that curved lattices with hexagonal voids could double surface area and funnel water for better nutrient exchange. Prototype 1 was 3D-printed in standard PLA; tank tests proved the geometry worked but the material leached micro-plastics. Prototype 2 switched to biodegradable PHA blended with recycled oyster-shell calcium carbonate, boosting marine compatibility and strength by 25 percent. Wave-tank trials then exposed pressure points, prompting spine-reinforced ribs that maintained porosity while withstanding coastal surge forces. Field Prototype 3—“Reef of Hope”—was submerged at a pier with time-lapse cameras and IoT sensors tracking larval settlement, pH, and flow velocity. Within six weeks, oyster spat density was 3× higher than on nearby concrete blocks, and algal biofilm colonised 90 percent of internal channels, confirming ecological viability.

How it is different

Unlike conventional artificial reefs made from concrete. "Reef of Hope" is 3D printed from biodegradable, marine-safe materials that it is a key material solution for preventing persistent microplastic pollution. What sets it apart is its fusion of ecological intelligence and advanced engineering. Inspired by topological design, its flowing, curved geometry enhances water circulation, reduces drag, and maximises surface area for oyster larvae to attach and thrive. While most reefs focus on bulk and stability, ours acts like a living scaffold—engineered for life, not just structure. Its modular system allows easy assembly, customisation for different marine environments, and flexible deployment—from restoring collapsed oyster beds to protecting eroding shorelines. Every curve, pore, and material choice is purpose-built for marine health. This reef doesn’t just sit underwater—it breathes, adapts, and regenerates.

Future plans

"Reef of Hope" is moving toward large-scale deployments across Asia, with trials underway in Hong Kong, China, Korea, and beyond. Future plans include developing reef arrays to serve as incubation grounds for endangered species like the locally extinct pearl oyster, helping restore lost marine heritage. We aim to integrate real-time sensors for water quality monitoring and expand into eco-tourism and sustainable aquaculture. Our goal is to transform degraded coastlines into thriving, resilient ecosystems—merging conservation, science, and impact-driven design."

Awards

The 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva - Gold Medal The Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong - Gold Medal DFA Awards 2024 - Gold Medal Better Design Award (BDA) 2024 - Merit Award