Circular sea solution: Taiwanese students create wave-dissipating bricks from oysters

In Taiwan, students Chia-Ying Chiang and Shao-Yu Lin have created wave-dissipating blocks using oyster shells and c-slurry. Such blocks are used to minimize damage to beaches and beachfront properties, but are usually made from concrete and cement—materials that have a poor carbon-emissions footprint and are unsuitable for marine life.

In addition to using natural materials, the Ecotrapod design includes bio-porous spiral surfaces that maximize structural strength, allow algae to attach, and provide a habitat for certain species of fish and shellfish. Chiang and Lin, who collaborated with C-Cube, Lotos, and Everplast, have received several awards for the design.