Coastal Resilience in Miami Gets a 3D-Printed Sea Wall Upgrade

In Miami, the urgency to combat coastal erosion and rising sea levels has led to a new approach: 3D-printed Living Seawalls. Spearheaded by Kind Designs, this approach merges structural protection with ecological enhancement. Traditional seawalls, while effective against storm surges, can negatively impact marine habitats. In contrast, Living Seawalls utilize environmentally neutral concrete and complex surface geometry to mimic natural coastal ecosystems.

Constructed using robotic arms capable of printing panels in under an hour, the seawalls are reinforced with rebar and filled with a high-strength 5000 PSI mortar. Unlike conventional concrete mixes, the Living Seawall formula is pH-neutral, free from harmful substances, and mixed at lower temperatures, with estimates suggesting a carbon footprint reduction of up to 30%.

Beyond structural integrity, these seawalls incorporate features intended to support marine life. The textured panels offer shaded pockets and surface roughness, allowing oysters, barnacles, and sponges to colonize naturally. A pilot study by Florida International University revealed over 1,000 marine organisms inhabiting the first 100 feet of Living Seawall within just nine months of installation.

To expand ecological value, embedded sensors in the seawalls continuously measure up to 15 water quality parameters, including pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. These real-time data streams enable adaptive management strategies and provide insights into the surrounding marine environment.

Kind Designs' production facility, covering 50,000 square feet, facilitates quick delivery for both public and private clients. To date, the company has secured multiple government contracts, including work with the U.S. Navy and Air Force, and has launched installations in both Miami and New York. The company also collaborates with Florida International University’s BIOCAP initiative, which pilots modular 3D-printed tiles at Morningside Park to diffuse wave energy and improve shoreline resilience.

The tiles are shaped to replicate tidal influences, using convex and concave patterns to deflect wave energy. Coupled with pressure sensors, these installations help evaluate wave attenuation and inform future coastal designs. Together, Kind Designs and BIOCAP projects represent a shift toward scalable gray/green infrastructure, offering both mechanical protection and habitat restoration.

Check out the following video discussing the Kind Design's 3D seawall panels significance.