MSc Product Design Engineering School of Design
Rafael Mattei
As a Mechanical Engineer, I have extensive experience in manufacturing and mechanical design, particularly with drones.
In my work on the Floating Wetland Breakwater, I aimed to address the growing issue of coastal erosion, particularly exacerbated by the wake from high-speed boats.
This project embodies my commitment to sustainable design by integrating wave energy mitigation with the enhancement of water quality and biodiversity.
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Floating Wetland Breakwater
Floating Wetland Breakwater – An Ecological Engineering Solution Against Wake-Induced Coastal Erosion
Coastal erosion is a significant challenge, especially with the increasing frequency of high-speed boat traffic. Traditional breakwaters primarily serve to attenuate waves, but the Floating Wetland Breakwater introduces a dual-function approach: effectively mitigating wave energy while simultaneously enhancing water quality and supporting biodiversity.
Conventional floating wetlands, while beneficial for water purification, often lack the necessary width to counteract the longer wavelengths generated by fast-moving boats. These narrow structures are insufficient in preventing coastal erosion caused by such waves, as they are nearly “invisible” to long wavelengths.
The Floating Wetland Breakwater addresses this limitation with a specifically engineered design that increases the structure’s width. This is accomplished using a truss-like framework, which optimises material usage while maximising geometric strength. The breakwater’s wider profile ensures that it can absorb and reflect the energy of longer waves, providing superior protection against erosion.
Each floating wetland is constructed from either synthetic or bio-based polyurethane modules that are assembled on-site. This modular approach allows the design to be optimised for the wave characteristics of each location by varying its width. The modules, which measure 10 meters in length by 1 meter in width, enable quick assembly.
