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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 27, 2026Miami-Dade

Startup deploys 3D-printed living seawalls to mitigate South Florida coastal flooding

A startup called Kind Designs has begun installing 3D-printed seawalls designed to mimic natural mangrove roots to help coastal properties withstand rising sea levels and storm surges. The company has completed 16 installations across Florida and plans to expand its operations to California, New York, and U.S. Navy facilities.

climate changeinfrastructurecoastal protectioninnovationflooding
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News Miami

Why It Matters

These living seawalls represent a shift in coastal infrastructure, aiming to provide flood protection while simultaneously creating habitats for native marine species.

Key Facts

  • Kind Designs has installed 16 living seawalls in Florida for residential, commercial, and government clients.
  • The seawalls are 3D-printed to mimic natural coastal features like mangrove roots.
  • The design includes caves intended to provide hiding spots for native marine species.
  • Kind Designs plans to expand installations to California, New York, and U.S. Navy coastal bases.
  • DC Alexander Park in Fort Lauderdale serves as a public space that functions as flood infrastructure.
  • The park features a 25-foot artistic overlook designed to provide shade.
  • The park perimeter includes a native maritime forest to absorb rainfall and saltwater flooding.

Who's Mentioned

other16“Number of living seawalls installed to date.”personAnya Freeman“Founder of Kind Designs and former lawyer.”personJeffrey Huber“Professor at Florida Atlantic University School of Architecture.”locationDC Alexander Park“Fort Lauderdale public space serving as flood infrastructure.”organizationKind Designs“Startup company creating 3D-printed living seawalls.”other25“Height in feet of the artistic overlook at DC Alexander Park.”