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17-25 October 2026

Alveo: A Clay 3D Printed Artificial Reef System

Developing Sabellaria Inspired artificial reef modules for intertidal placement in the Wadden Sea.

Hosted by Sven van Leeuwen

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Entrance fee

Free access

Event type

Exhibition

Accessibility

Toilets available

Opening hours

11:00
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Artificial reef module Alveo gets hit by a wave
Artificial reef module Alveo gets hit by a wave
Sven van Leeuwen
The Ross worm has disappeared from the Wadden sea through human impacts. By combining clay 3D printing, and marine ecology, the project explores how biological knowledge and environmental conditions can be translated into habitats for the Ross worm.

The Alveo Reef system

The Alveo artificial reef system integrates six features mimicking the Honeycomb worm, Sabellaria alveolata, reef design:
(1) a subdivided Anchor that passively traps sediment for long-term stability,
(2) a narrow Neck that minimises scouring (erosion of the sediment),
(3) Surface Texturing via G-code to boost settlement area,
(4) a Habitat geometry drawn from Sabellaria reef creasing patterns,
(5) a Modular System enabling larger, load-distributing assemblies, and
(6) a Tonmasse Clay 3D Printed Body fired at 1050°C, matched to natural reef and sediment density for structural and biological compatibility.

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About Sven van Leeuwen

Sven is a Junior Industrial Design Engineer. Alveo was developed during the graduation project from the MSc Integrated Product Design at the TU Delft.

Colofon

Project Chair from TU Delft, Industrial Design Engineering Conny Bakker
Projec Mentor from TU Delft, Industrial Design Engineering Mehmet Özdemir
Project Mentor from NIOZ Max Burgoon

Partners

Sponsored by Alveo: A Clay 3D Printed Artificial Reef System
Sponsored by Alveo: A Clay 3D Printed Artificial Reef System