BackTeam Orz: Shell of Hope
Introduction:
Rising from the ocean floor, our artificial reef blends seamlessly with marine environments, addressing oyster reef degradation. Made from upcycled oyster shells and 3D-printed with biodegradable materials, it maximises surface area for oyster growth and biodiversity. Its modular design ensures easy deployment, restoring fragile ecosystems while sequestering carbon, protecting coastlines, and providing marine habitats.
Digital Validation: Hydrodynamic Analysis •
Before production, reef designs were tested using Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This simulation ensured the structure could withstand ocean currents while optimizing water flow to encourage nutrient delivery for the oysters.
Material Innovation: Bio-Compound Research •
Moved beyond standard plastics, initiating a research phase to identify biodegradable materials. Team’s goal was to find a substrate that offers structural integrity during the reef's infancy but decomposes harmlessly as the natural oyster cluster solidifies.
Feedstock Engineering: Filament Extrusion •
Successfully processed our raw biodegradable compound into a consistent, spoolable 3D printing filament. This proved that our custom material is compatible with 3D printer
Team Orz Limited is a marine restoration innovator developing 3D-printed, biodegradable artificial reefs to combat coastal biodiversity loss and water pollution. Our topological designs optimise oyster growth while enhancing water filtration and shoreline protection. By partnering with universities and conservation groups, we pioneer scalable solutions for sustainable coastal ecosystems.