Living With The Wave

What it does

Traditional breakwaters clash with coastal aesthetics. This design balances wave protection, enhances beach identity, and creates spaces for people and wildlife, promoting a sustainable coexistence with nature.

Your inspiration

The designed breakwater system is formally inspired by the natural structure of mangroves and is complemented by the modular and porous construction methods of indigenous tribes. Mangroves are the best natural breakwaters, but unfortunately, they cannot be used in colder climates. The idea was to take this perfect nature-based solution as a model and scale it for additional use cases, adapting it for diverse coastal environments and offering a flexible, sustainable alternative for modern coastal protection. This made it possible to create new spaces that support both wildlife habitats and human interaction with nature.

How it works

The design, characterized by flexible construction and versatile applications, allows for easy adaptation to various coastal conditions through its modular structure. The surface has been optimized to promote the settlement of algae, mussels, crustaceans, and small fish, allowing the breakwater formations to also function as artificial reefs. This contributes to biodiversity and improves water quality. Through platforms and a modular design, the structures offer multiple levels of usage for both people and wildlife, enhancing the overall functionality and accessibility. The elements can be twisted and assembled in various configurations, allowing for different shapes and heights. Depending on the location of use, additional attachment options can be implemented to accommodate varying wind, wave, and current conditions.

Design process

At the beginning of the project, extensive research was conducted to analyze existing breakwater solutions, evaluate their effectiveness, and identify both their strengths and weaknesses. This research included studying traditional and modern approaches, assessing their impact on coastal protection, environmental sustainability, and integration into natural landscapes. The findings from this research phase directly influenced the conceptual development of the design. By understanding the limitations of conventional solutions, the goal was to create a more adaptive, ecologically beneficial, and visually integrated alternative. To translate these learnings and concepts into tangible prototypes, initial sketches and digital 3D models were created. The modularity of the design was tested through 3D-printed scale models, allowing for the assessment of adaptability to different coastal conditions. Additionally, experts in materials science and production were consulted to determine suitable materials and fabrication techniques for a potential full-scale (1:1) implementation. Considerations included material longevity in marine environments, resistance to erosion and biofouling, and the ecological footprint of manufacturing processes.

How it is different

What makes my breakwater concept unique is its combination of functionality, ecological benefits, and aesthetic integration. Unlike traditional breakwaters, this design promotes biodiversity by providing habitats for marine life. The modular structure adapts to various coastal conditions, offering flexible configurations for different wave intensities and environmental needs. Inspired by mangrove root structures, the design enables natural water exchange while dissipating wave energy, preventing stagnation and supporting marine ecosystems. Its surface texture encourages algae, mussels, and small fish settlement, transforming it into an artificial reef that improves water quality. Beyond environmental benefits, the breakwater enhances the visual identity of coastal landscapes. Integrated platforms create new spaces for people, fostering interaction with the shoreline and redefining the connection between coastal protection and human experience.

Future plans

To further validate the concept, physical tests in controlled environments and hydrodynamic simulations should be conducted, refining the design for real-world applications. The following step in the development is to test the breakwater structures at a 1:1 scale in real coastal conditions. This will allow for an in-depth evaluation of their stability, durability, and ecological impact. From a business and development perspective, collaboration with coastal management organizations, environmental agencies, and marine engineers will be essential to refine the concept for large-scale implementation.

Awards