Mumbles Sea-HivesTM
Innovating Coastal Infrastructure for a Greener Future
Client - Bluecube Marine
Main Contractor - Knights Brown Construction
Location - Swansea, Wales
Eco-Engineering
Sea Wall Tiles for Biodiversity Net Gain
Mould Making
Sea-HiveTM Biomimicry Patterns
Project Overview
We pride ourselves on developing sustainable, high-performance concrete solutions that push the boundaries of functionality and environmental responsibility. Our partnership with Bluecube Marine allowed us to play a pivotal role in the iconic Mumbles Sea-HiveTM project, part of Swansea Bay’s effort to enhance marine biodiversity through innovative infrastructure.
The Mumbles Sea-HiveTM was born from two prestigious research projects- SEACAMS2 and Ecostructure and was designed to tackle the challenge of creating eco-friendly seawalls.
Unlike traditional artificial structures, which often provide limited opportunities for marine life, the Sea-Hive’s design is focused on promoting natural habitats.
We were responsible for manufacturing 135 bespoke panels cast from our Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC).
These panels were engineered with custom textures, including two seaweed patterns and a unique oyster shell design, reflecting Swansea Bay’s rich natural heritage.
This combination of form and function enhances the seawall’s durability and creates a surface that encourages marine life to colonise it.
Knights Brown Construction installed the panels on the seawall using chemical anchors. Within just three months of installation, the Sea-HiveTM attracted up to 260 barnacles on each panel, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting biodiversity.
Swansea University’s ongoing research continues to monitor the site, and its findings are expected to inform future coastal restoration efforts.
The Impact - Innovation Meets Nature
Marine Biodiversity - The Sea Hive tiles, with their innovative surface designs, have successfully attracted marine life, enhancing the biodiversity along the Mumbles seawall.
Sustainable Materials - Our low-carbon UHPC panels are durable and contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of construction in coastal areas.
Scientific Validation - Swansea University's involvement ensures that this project is backed by rigorous research, providing a model for future developments in eco-conscious coastal protection.
A Partnership for Sustainability
This project is an excellent example of how sustainable construction practices and scientific research can combine to create long-lasting, environmentally friendly infrastructure.
Our collaboration with Bluecube Marine and Swansea University highlights the potential for non-toxic, marine-grade UHPC to revolutionise coastal protection while promoting biodiversity in areas that need it most.
The success of the Mumbles Sea-Hive has already led to further collaborations on coastal projects, reinforcing our role as a leader in eco-friendly precast concrete solutions for marine environments.
As we continue to explore the full potential of UHPC in marine infrastructure, we remain committed to pioneering sustainable innovations that protect our ecosystems for future generations.
Lets work together
Contact us today and discover how our UHPC solutions can support your next project.
