Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explore how Kind Designs is pioneering 3D printed Living Seawalls that defend coastlines while reviving marine ecosystems.
In the face of escalating climate threats, Miami-based startup Kind Designs is redefining coastal resilience with its innovative 3D printed Living Seawalls. These structures not only shield shorelines from erosion and flooding but also foster marine biodiversity, setting a new standard in sustainable infrastructure.
Origins and Vision
A new study finds that 28 major US cities are sinking, and the damage may only appear when it is potentially catastrophic. And, while the study cites coastal cities as being primarily affected, it also revealed that interior-located cities are experiencing sinking as well.
Kind Designs is focused on changing this.
Founded in 2020 by Anya Freeman, a former law student turned entrepreneur, Kind Designs emerged from a personal confrontation with Miami’s recurrent flooding. Recognizing the limitations of traditional seawalls—both in cost and ecological impact—Freeman envisioned a solution that harmonized structural integrity with environmental stewardship. This vision materialized into Living Seawalls, which mimic natural habitats like mangroves and coral reefs, offering refuge to marine life while protecting human communities.
Technological Innovation
Central to Kind Designs’ approach is the utilization of advanced 3D concrete printing technology from Netherlands-based CyBe Construction. Their robotic arms, capable of printing at 500mm per second, enable the rapid production of seawall panels with intricate, biomimetic designs. A 10 x 10-foot panel can be printed in under an hour, significantly reducing production time compared to traditional methods.
The seawalls are constructed using a proprietary, pH-neutral concrete mix that incorporates recycled ocean plastic fibers. This eco-friendly composition not only minimizes environmental harm but also provides a conducive surface for marine organisms to attach and thrive.
Ecological Impact
Beyond structural protection, Living Seawalls actively contribute to marine ecosystem restoration. Their textured surfaces and crevices offer habitats for various marine species. Notably, a 100-foot installation in Miami Beach attracted over 1,000 oysters within nine months, each filtering up to 50 gallons of water daily. In contrast, a neighboring traditional seawall installed in 1993 showed no such marine life colonization.
Additionally, embedded sensors in the seawalls monitor water quality in real-time, measuring parameters like pH and salinity. This data aids in environmental research and informs coastal management strategies.
Market Reception and Expansion
Kind Designs’ innovative approach has garnered significant attention and investment. In 2023, the company secured US$5 million in seed funding from investors, including Mark Cuban and Anthropocene Ventures, facilitating the expansion of their production capabilities. The startup also received a US$175,000 grant from the U.S. Navy for research and development, highlighting the broader applicability of their technology. Operating from a 50,000-square-foot facility on the Miami River, Kind Designs has the capacity to produce up to US$15 million worth of seawalls annually. Their client base includes residential homeowners and municipal governments, with projects underway in cities like Longboat Key and Bay Harbor Islands.
Industry Context and Competitive Edge
While other organizations, such as Australia’s Living Seawalls and the Smithsonian’s pilot projects, are exploring eco-friendly coastal defenses, Kind Designs distinguishes itself through its integration of rapid 3D printing, sustainable materials, and real-time environmental monitoring. Their approach offers a scalable, cost-effective solution that aligns with both ecological and infrastructural needs.
Traditional seawall construction is often time-consuming and environmentally detrimental. In contrast, Kind Designs’ method reduces production time by up to 90%, lowers carbon emissions through energy-efficient processes, and enhances marine biodiversity. These advantages position the company as a leader in sustainable coastal infrastructure.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
“Sea-ing” is believing…
With projections indicating that Florida alone may require 10,000 miles of seawalls by 2040, the demand for sustainable solutions is pressing. Kind Designs aims to meet this challenge by expanding its operations and advocating for policy incentives akin to those in the renewable energy sector. Their goal is to make Living Seawalls a standard in coastal defense, combining ecological restoration with community protection.
Kind Designs exemplifies how innovative technology can address environmental challenges. Through their 3D printed Living Seawalls, they offer a blueprint for resilient, sustainable coastal infrastructure that benefits both people and the planet.
