The Coralith Research Infrastructure Synergies Prototyping
Deconstructing Coastal Infrastructures
Energy Generation Macro Systems
Geometric Aggregation
Coastalocks Hexapods
Form, Follies, Foundation Operations
PROTO(types)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The prefix prot-, or proto-, comes from Greek and has the basic meaning “first in time” or “first formed.”
“First, source, parent, preceding, earliers form, original, basic,” (from PIE *pre-, from root *per- (1) “forward,” hence “before, first”).
Prototypes in this studio are understood as the nodal articulation of a territory, capable of generating local intensities within the landscape.
The shift from the type to the prototype is a conceptual shift to redefine the infrastructures that have traditionally served the city -beneath its surface, to alter their monofuncitonal character and reposition them as active components to materially shape the new city.
To design a prototype -for us in this studio, will be to allow at times the temptation of the irrational to dance with the generic, to challenge all what we think it is and to allow the unfamiliar to break through - to question the norm and the status quo.
The prefix prot-, or proto-, comes from Greek and has the basic meaning “first in time” or “first formed.”
“First, source, parent, preceding, earliers form, original, basic,” (from PIE *pre-, from root *per- (1) “forward,” hence “before, first”).
Prototypes in this studio are understood as the nodal articulation of a territory, capable of generating local intensities within the landscape.
The shift from the type to the prototype is a conceptual shift to redefine the infrastructures that have traditionally served the city -beneath its surface, to alter their monofuncitonal character and reposition them as active components to materially shape the new city.
To design a prototype -for us in this studio, will be to allow at times the temptation of the irrational to dance with the generic, to challenge all what we think it is and to allow the unfamiliar to break through - to question the norm and the status quo.
INPUT
wave overtopping system
Submerged Pressure Differential
J = Q/A
Geometric Aggregation 2 2
Rising sea levels, projected to increase significantly by the end of the century, pose an existential threat to Singapore, especially during high tides coinciding with storm surges. The East Coast area, being low-lying, is particularly vulnerable to flooding, as evidenced by recent incidents, highlighting the urgent need for effective coastal management and sustainable solutions to mitigate erosion and stabilize the coastline.
The combined effects of long-shore and cross-shore sediment transport, wave action, and tidal influences lead to significant morphological changes along Singapore’s East Coast, with erosion and accretion patterns varying spatially and temporally due to seasonal monsoon variations and coastal structures.
The following section will discuss the various coastal processes that shape the beaches of East Coast Park, the current preventive measures that has been taken since the inception of the East Coast Park and their effectiveness.
Coastal Locks
Tetrahedron Interlocking Wavebreakers for Biodiversity
The Coastal Locks system represents an innovative approach to shoreline protection that prioritizes both structural integrity and ecological enhancement. These tetrahedral interlocking wavebreakers are designed to dissipate wave energy while creating protected microhabitats for marine organisms. Their geometric configuration allows for modular deployment, adapting to various coastal conditions and topographies.
Each concrete unit features internal cavities and textured surfaces that encourage colonization by diverse marine species. The strategic placement of openings facilitates water circulation while maintaining structural stability during storm events. This dual-purpose approach transforms traditional coastal infrastructure from mere barriers into living systems that contribute to marine biodiversity.
The interlocking mechanism ensures long-term durability against wave action and prevents displacement during extreme weather events. Unlike traditional monolithic seawalls, these discrete units can be selectively replaced or reconfigured as needed, reducing maintenance costs and environmental disruption. Field tests have demonstrated significant wave attenuation properties while monitoring has confirmed rapid colonization by various invertebrate species and juvenile fish.
This precedent study examines similar bioenhancing marine infrastructure deployed in coastal regions worldwide. The most notable example comes from the Danish coastline protection program, where tetrahedral concrete elements have been successfully integrated into existing breakwater systems since 2019. The Danish approach demonstrated a 43% increase in species diversity compared to traditional structures, while maintaining equivalent wave attenuation properties. ECOncrete - Bioenhancing wavebreakers
Dimensions of Tetrahedral Wavebreaker
Tesselation Language along Coastline
Interlocking Aggregation
This study explores biomimetic form development through parametric design, focusing on how tetrahedral geometries can create resilient coastal defense systems. The interlocking mechanisms allow for structural stability while creating ecological niches within their negative spaces. Various aggregation patterns were tested to optimize both wave dissipation and habitat formation, with configurations A, C, E, and F demonstrating the most promising performance.
Aggregation of Coastalocks
Hexapods
Interlocking Coastal Wavebreakers
In response to rising sea levels and intensifying coastal erosion, the Hexapod system reimagines the wavebreaker not as a monolithic obstruction, but as a porous, performative scaffold. Drawing inspiration from tetrahedral geometry and the modular intelligence of marine invertebrates, each unit is gravity-stabilized and designed to nest within others, creating resilient, spatially adaptive aggregates.
The form’s soft curvature and tripodal balance distribute hydrodynamic pressure while generating voids that dissipate wave energy more gently. Unlike traditional breakwaters that redirect force, the Hexapods absorb, refract, and release it — reducing backwash and coastal scouring. Their hollow interiors support marine life colonization, functioning as living reefs rather than inert structures.
A core tetrahedral base was iteratively transformed to produce a family of interlocking marine modules. Through controlled scaling, limb deformation, and filleting, distinct typologies emerged:
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Docker: hollowed for lightness and habitat flow
Locker: extended for greater interlockability
Blocker: densified for wave resistance
These modular variants assemble into porous, adaptable aggregates. Morphological differences aren’t just aesthetic—they respond to environmental conditions, hydrodynamic performance, and deployment logic. Together, they form a scalable system of marine infrastructure: reef, barrier, and marine habitat in one.
OPTION STUDIO II: PROTO(TYPES) HYBRIDS AND OTHER BEASTS
Docker, Lockers, Blockers, Family of Coastal Armors
configuration 01
configuration 02
configuration 02
configuration
Deployment Efficiency
Stackability allows for ease of transport
Stackability allows for ease of transport
Designed for efficient transport and modular deployment, the Hexapods fit onto flatbed trailers or barge decks, allowing mass production and rapid installation without invasive anchoring. Interlocking geometries reduce assembly time and eliminate the need for underwater welding — critical for high-risk coastal conditions.
Once deployed, the structures are designed not to resist time but to evolve with it. Their geometry welcomes sediment deposition and organic growth. Over months and years, each unit gains a new materiality: encrusted with barnacles, softened by silt, and embedded in coral matrices. They no longer simply occupy the seascape — they become it.
Beyond protection, the system enables programmatic extensions: tidal pools, educational platforms, snorkeling zones, or sensor arrays monitoring temperature and pH levels.
darius chen 1005944| adelin
darius chen 1005944| adelin johari 1006115
Stackability Allows for Ease of Tranportation
Configuration of Stacking Nature of Hexpod Family
Aggregation of Hexapods
Forms, Follies, Foundation
WAVE POD
WAVE POD
EXERCISE b - deletion//deformation//addition
WAVE POD
EXTERNAL RENDER
INTERIOR RENDER
SCAFFOLDING
Physical Model
Geometric Exploration 01 - Dissolving the Sphere
Physical Model
Geometric Exploration 02 - Redefining the Sphere
Physical Model
Scaffolding Exploration 01
Scaffolding Materiality Exploration
“The unit of survival is the organism plus the environment.”
Innovative offshore aquaculture platforms represent a sustainable solution to global seafood demand while reducing coastal environmental impacts. These engineered systems integrate renewable energy generation with multi-trophic cultivation methods, creating closed-loop nutrient cycling. Our modular designs accommodate varying water depths (20-200m) and oceanographic conditions, with structural reinforcement utilizing biorock technology for enhanced durability and ecological integration.
Advanced automation systems monitor environmental parameters, feed dispensation, and structural integrity through distributed sensor networks, enabling remote operation with minimal on-site personnel. Designed for conditions in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand, these systems demonstrate exceptional resilience to tropical storm events while maintaining production efficiency of 25-40kg/m³ for finfish species.
Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture System
The Coralith platform implements a vertically integrated aquaculture model that mimics natural marine ecosystems. Primary production begins with photosynthetic microalgae cultivation, capturing solar energy and dissolved nutrients. These microalgae support filter-feeding organisms including bivalves and sea cucumbers, which process particulate waste and improve water quality parameters.
Finfish occupy mid-water habitats within the structure, while detritivores and decomposers process solid waste materials, converting them into bioavailable nutrients. This circular system achieves 85% nutrient retention and 65% reduction in external feed requirements compared to conventional monoculture systems.
[ OFFSHORE FARMS] [ONSHORE IMTA]
[ Aggregated Kelongs ]
Energy Systems
Energy Generation System
The Coralith integrates multiple renewable energy harvesting systems that work in harmony with marine environments. The wave energy converters utilize oscillating buoy technology with adaptive resonance tuning to maximize energy capture across variable sea states (0.5-3.0m wave height). Each unit generates 15-22 kWh daily in typical conditions, with peak output reaching 45 kWh during storm events while simultaneously providing wave attenuation functions. Strategic placement of these units creates energy capture zones that power mineral accretion processes throughout the structure.
The biorock reinforcement system requires 1.5-2.0 kWh/ m²/month to maintain optimal mineral deposition, with excess energy directed to operational systems and stored in integrated saltwater battery arrays (capacity: 250 kWh).
The point absorber mechanisms feature biorockenhanced structural components at high-stress articulation points, creating self-reinforcing joints that demonstrate 87% higher fatigue resistance than conventional marine-grade materials after 24 months of mineral accretion.
Power-TakeOff Mechanism
The Power-TakeOff (PTO) system converts oscillatory wave motion into electrical energy through a hydraulic intermediary stage that buffers impact forces.
Electrical output is conditioned through marine-hardened inverters with specialized corrosion-resistant biorock-enhanced housings. The distributed power management system prioritizes critical mineral accretion processes, maintaining continuous current flow (3-7 A/m²) to reinforcement zones even during energy production fluctuations.
The Wavestar-inspired PTO arm incorporates dynamic positioning sensors that adjust articulation response based on real-time wave characteristics, optimizing energy capture while minimizing mechanical stress. This adaptive system extends operational lifespan by 65-70% compared to fixed-response mechanisms while achieving mean time between maintenance intervals of 8-10 months in aggressive marine environments.
Point Absorber Mechanism in Wavestar’s PTO Arm
Point Absorber Mechanism in Wavestar’s PTO Arm
The biorock reinforcement system utilizes lowvoltage direct current to facilitate calcium carbonate precipitation from seawater onto conductive scaffolding. This electrochemical process creates a self-strengthening matrix that continues to densify over time. The resulting biorock-reinforced structure demonstrates superior strength-toweight ratio compared to traditional construction materials while providing sustainable harvesting capability with minimal environmental impact.
Our project leverages biorock technology to specifically enhance scaffolding systems in marine environments, creating a revolutionary approach to underwater construction support. By applying controlled electrical current to standard metal scaffolding frameworks, we transform conventional temporary structures into strengthened, semipermanent systems capable of withstanding extreme oceanic conditions. The biorock-reinforced scaffolding exhibits exceptional resistance to wave action (15-20× greater than standard alternatives), while its self-healing properties allow for continuous maintenance-free operation even in high-corrosion environments.
Corallite
A corallite is the skeletal cup created by a single coral polyp in stony (scleractinian) corals — a hard, calcium carbonate vessel grown in response to life’s softest touch. It supports and shelters the polyp, leaving behind an enduring imprint of life once lived.
Metaphorically, our folly engages with the orthogonal grid scaffolding in much the same way. Like coral polyps depositing minerals over time, the folly accretes biorock — a process both structural and temporal, born of interaction and growth.
The scaffolding directs mineral growth along predetermined stress lines, as the biorock matrix progressively strengthens junction points and distributes forces throughout the assembly. Their symbiotic relationship produces a responsive construction system with mechanical properties unattainable by either component independently, creating a self-reinforcing structure that evolves with time and electrical input.
Biorock
Energy Systems
Energy Generation System
The Coralith integrates multiple renewable energy harvesting systems that work in harmony with marine environments. The wave energy converters utilize oscillating buoy technology with adaptive resonance tuning to maximize energy capture across variable sea states (0.5-3.0m wave height). Each unit generates 15-22 kWh daily in typical conditions, with peak output reaching 45 kWh during storm events while simultaneously providing wave attenuation functions. Strategic placement of these units creates energy capture zones that power mineral accretion processes throughout the structure.
Phases of Coralith Growth
Follies
Sculptural forms gradually emerge through mineral accretion, forming occupiable structures for pause and observation. These follies grow over time, shaped by directed current, and support marine life on their porous surfaces.
CIRCULATION
Safe, semi-enclosed zones for swimming and diving are refreshed by daily tides. Biorock edges define space and support microbes that naturally maintain water clarity.
Walkways connect key areas while housing infrastructure for biorock growth. Modular and adaptive, they strengthen over time as minerals build up along their surfaces.
AQUACULTURE
INFRASTRUCTURE
BIOROCK FOUNDATION
Fish, shellfish, and seaweed are farmed together in a balanced system. Biorock structures improve water quality and support productive, low-impact cultivation.
Power and water systems operate across the island, mostly self-sustained through renewables. These systems ensure consistent performance and resilience during storms.
The foundation supports both structure and coral growth. It strengthens as minerals continue to accrete, adapting over time to shifting environmental conditions.
Physical Model
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Header
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Enime nonsequame eat. Ibus nonseque nobit quo maio.
Berovidisse lani ut officie nitiis quia natqui ommolessunt est, omnient isimusda quas exped ut evellest, officias dentiorrum volum ut ut plitio esero cum et dis ea ipsam remporiamus et, qui alicienda doloresti apid et od uta poratemporat occustio. Et re re, nam adipicae vendae nos sam aut omnis excerum as arum re volorep udignam que non nonsequi ut fugiand itemporese poreribus aut pore mincil in et volorumquis verfero quatus reiume pra vellique sitatur rere nonem faccus eostemo luptati buscidicte pedigent.
Arum quia quo ma suntota quaecturit qui ut omnis a voluptaque latus, odiamus explatus, aborestia cum ilit ut exerum ad qui iligend aecatur audis et re, eicipis dolor minci ulpa dero to eume vellenim venis eatusci derione stenducident ut at verepudae. Et volupta num fugit re cus a secerio to torpora et fugitat enihici officaborem imiliquunt lias et facescia conse sapic tem incipsam, quo custo omnitis erumet lam, vendaereceri conseque nus pa quatet quiataspit, solor sum eossi voluptaero mod mo bea voluptae qui ipsapidicit et, si.
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