Volvo has installed an environmentally friendly seawall along the coast of Sydney’s harbour that aims to improve biodiversity and water quality in the area. The Volvo Living Seawall consists of 50 hexagonal tiles with small corners and recesses that are designed to imitate the root structure of native mangrove trees – a popular habitat for marine wildlife. Irregular-shaped tiles attract sealife Each tile is made from marine-grade concrete that has been reinforced with recycled plastic fibres. Developed in collaboration with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and Reef Design Lab, the project offers an alternative to traditional, linear seawalls, which are often linked to the loss of surrounding ecosystems. Attached to the surface of the existing seawall structure , the irregular-shaped tiles are designed to attract wildlife such as oysters and molluscs, which filter the water by feeding on passing particles. "Designed to mimic the root structure of native mangrove trees, the Living Seawall adds complexity to the existing seawall structure and provides a habitat for marine life," said Volvo. "This aids biodiversity and attracts filter-feeding organisms that actually absorb and filter out pollutants – such as particulate matter and heavy metals – keeping the water clean. The more […]
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