Coral reefs are at risk, and the ones we have in Hong Kong and the entire Greater Bay Area are no exception. The loss of this living ecosystem means a widespread decline of their associated marine biodiversity including commercial species.

archiREEF provides eco-engineering solutions for ocean ecosystem restoration. We aim to restore degraded ecosystems and mobilize Blue Carbon to achieve carbon neutrality. Our team designed the world’s first artificial reef structure 3D-printed in terracotta, being truly ocean-friendly, and integrates the biomimicry element to enhance coral survivorship and growth. The biomimetic pattern is aesthetically and being functional - with the function of enhancing coral’s survivorship and growth. Our reef tiles have been proven 4 times more effective in keeping the corals alive than the conventional methods.

The tiles were fabricated utilizing a six-axis industrial robot with a 3D clay-extruder attached that is based on a DIW method (direct ink writing). The project developed a unique fabrication method that balanced the tile's algorithmic design with the clay 3D printing strategy and the drying and firing procedures to minimize cracking and deformation. With the beauty of algorithm-based adaptiveness and 3D printer’s versatility, the design can be tweaked for different environments and even organisms like mangroves and oysters.

“We combat climate change by restoring degraded marine ecosystems using advanced eco-engineering technology - 3D printing.”

組長
Team Leader
余碧芬
YU Pik Fan (HKU)

組員
Team Member
萬曉彤
MAN Hiu Tung (HKU)
許錫泉
DOMINIC Co Lim (HKU)
梁敬鴻
Keiven LEUNG (HKU)

院校顧問
Faculty Advisor
Dr. David BAKER (HKU)

Website
archireef.hk