Hyperboloid reefs

Rooted in nature for long-term impact. Modular reef units that combine coastal protection with habitat creation.

Product

Rooted in nature for long-term impact

CCell's hyperboloid reefs feature a superior strength-to-weight ratio and intricate internal geometry, combining coastal protection with habitat creation.

Each reef module dissipates wave energy through wave breaking and internal turbulence, reducing coastal erosion even during severe storms and hurricanes. Adjustable in height, profile and material composition, they adapt seamlessly to diverse coastal environments.

Inspired by natural forms and enhanced through the growth of bivalves and corals, our hyperboloid reefs offer a regenerative, nature-driven alternative to conventional coastal protection.

A bamboo-clad hyperboloid reef unit on the beach before installation, with the sun behind it

CCell's hyperboloid reef prior to installation, Netanya, Israel.

Applications

Where hyperboloid reefs are used

Coastal protection
Sediment recovery
Sediment stabilisation
Extreme weather disturbance mitigation
Habitat restoration
Supporting piers and jetties
Nearshore research hub
Marine data collection

Colour image of reef deflections under load

(Left) Structural analysis of a hyperboloid reef under extreme loads. (Right) Rock layer grown using Mineral Accretion Technology (MAT).

Key features

Versatile, efficient and connected

Material versatility

Our hyperboloid reef modules demonstrate exceptional material versatility. They can be fabricated using various combinations of, or exclusively from, any of the following core materials, carefully selected to suit local environmental conditions:

Steel
Galvanised steel
Glass composites
Bamboo
Coir (coconut)

Efficient design

At the core of our approach lies a commitment to material efficiency and long-term durability, guided by the principles of a circular economy. Our manufacturing and installation processes reflect our dedication to ethical practices and streamlined implementation.

Modular units

Flat-packed for efficient transport
Interlocking bars and frame rings for secure assembly
Non-disruptive, rapid on-site installation

Mineral Accretion Technology

Accelerated growth of reef-building organisms (oysters, mussels, corals)
Enhances wave attenuation
Supports marine habitat development

Digital connectivity

Precise control of mineral accretion to optimise rock or marine life across the life of the structure. Our reef units can be electrified, either temporarily or for extended periods. This connectivity enables remote monitoring of the reefs, with:

Plug-and-play sensors

Waves and currents alerts
Abiotic data (temperature, pH, etc.)

Research potential

Marine bioacoustics
Enhancing reef ecology
Pollutant and chemical detection

Biomimicry

Boiler reefs

In the natural world, 'boiler' formations, prominently observed in Bermuda's Holocene algal cup reefs, display hyperbolic shapes with diameters ranging from 1 to 2 metres.

Inspired by these natural structures, CCell hyperboloid reef structures are a harmonious fusion of sustainable engineering design and the ingenious principles found in healthy coastal ecosystems.

Much like CCell reefs, these microatolls gain strength through the settlement of biogenic materials and serve as habitats for a diverse range of marine life.

(Left) Boiler reefs in Bermuda. Photo by Roy Burch. (Right) Microatolls breaking waves in Tonga.

Technical specifications

Three standard reef units

Property	Units	HBS6	HBS4	HBA2
Water depth^*	m	6	4	2
Unit height^**	m	5.5	3.5	1.5
Unit width	m	9.1	5.8	5.3
Initial unit weight	kg	3600	800	150
Material		Steel + bamboo	Steel + bamboo	Steel + bamboo
MAT		Yes	Yes	Yes
Illustration
Ideal in / for		Intermediate water depths, large wave and storm climates, habitat restoration.	Shallow water depth, large waves and storm conditions, habitat restoration.	Mild weather, habitat restoration.

^*Recommended freeboard ranges from -0.5 m (below the surface) to 1 m (protrusion above the waterline) according to environmental suitability.
^**Height, width and weight values are based on a typical example and may vary depending on local environmental conditions, available materials and the surrounding marine habitat.

More information