RDM Rotterdam
Italian Passion
Nadia traces her roots to the countryside of Florence, Italy. She studied computer science, and her parents’ garage became her first workspace. Here, she disassembled 3D printers and reassembled them in her own way, enabling these machines to print with materials other than plastic. Nadia quickly realized that plastic is not sustainable and has no place in an eco-friendly future. “I became a fan of powder-bed printing, which allows you to print with powders of various materials. In Tuscany, I met a true pioneer in this field. Together, we experimented with different natural materials and countless design forms, gaining a lot of experience.” Armed with this powder-bed knowledge, Nadia connected with Dutch companies interested in using this technology for maritime applications. “I came to the Netherlands in 2018 to work with Boskalis as an expert on their artificial reef program,” Nadia explains. “The maritime sector causes significant damage to nature, and I see artificial reefs as a way to help restore it. That’s why I founded Coastruction in 2021, to help restore biodiversity and protect our coasts.”
Coral Restoration: how does it work?
A reef from Coastruction is not only beautiful but also highly effective. “Our self-made 3D printers give us freedom in material use and product design. We create purpose-built products in a circular production process,” says Nadia. This allows Coastruction to build specifically for different projects. “We adapt the material based on the unique needs of the local ecosystem and the product’s shape to its final function. For the North Sea, we build eco-anchors for floating wind turbines, intentionally creating holes for mussels, eels, and shrimp to nest in. And successfully: our samples showed up to a 250% increase in biodiversity.” For a project in the Maldives, Coastruction takes a different approach. “There are no large boats or cranes here, so the reef we print must be light and easy to attach. However, our reef must break the waves to protect the coral and prevent coastline erosion. In this case, they are printed to ensure stability and invite coral to grow in them.” With their innovative printing system, Nadia and her team offer bespoke solutions for specific maritime challenges.
The Inspiring Innovation Dock
It could be said that the Innovation Dock at RDM has contributed to Coastruction’s success. “Initially, I came here looking for a 3D printing hub in the Netherlands, but RDM is so much more than that,” Nadia explains. “You have a fantastic community here that continuously seeks innovation together.” It is well known that companies based at RDM often collaborate. For example, Coastruction will work with Paebbl, a company also located at RDM, which supplies CO2-neutral powder suitable for building a new reef. And the fact that competitor Urban Reef is in the same building doesn’t bother Nadia: “You learn more from your competition than from anyone else. We are very happy to collaborate with them.” While Coastruction focuses on maritime reefs, Urban Reef builds micro-climate reefs for cities. “We have the same goal, so let’s make use of each other’s knowledge.”
Back to Green Nature
What does the future of the company look like, according to Nadia? “I am committed to spreading our technology worldwide. Last year, we delivered our printer Asterix, capable of printing one cubic meter of material in a few hours. The next goal is to build Obelix: a printer in a shipping container that prints six cubic meters in a few hours.” The container is important for making it easier to transport Obelix and print on-site. “And so, we want to protect and restore marine ecosystems worldwide with our current partners as well as new ones.” Having grown up in Tuscany, with a beautiful coastline at her doorstep, Nadia wants to return there: “In the past 15 years, we have lost so much nature. I am a mother and will soon be a mother for the second time. This has made me think; I want to invest my time in something meaningful and do my best to leave a greener and healthier future for my children.” Coastruction is Nadia’s path to that future.
Photography: Eric Fecken
