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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 27, 2026Miami-Dade

Startup Kind Designs installs 3D-printed living seawalls to mitigate Florida coastal flooding

A startup founded by a former lawyer has begun installing 3D-printed seawalls designed to mimic natural mangrove roots to protect coastal properties from storm surge and rising sea levels. 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
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Why It Matters

These living seawalls represent a shift in coastal infrastructure, moving from flat concrete barriers to textured designs intended to provide flood protection while supporting local marine ecosystems.

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 features like mangrove roots to attract native species and create habitats.
  • 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 includes a 25-foot artistic overlook designed to provide shade.
  • The park's perimeter features a native maritime forest intended to absorb rainfall and saltwater flooding.

Who's Mentioned

other16“Number of living seawalls installed by Kind Designs.”personAnya Freeman“Founder of Kind Designs and former lawyer.”personJeffrey Huber“Professor at Florida Atlantic University School of Architecture.”locationDC Alexander Park“Public space in Fort Lauderdale 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.”