---
title: "Maldives resort installs 3D printed clay reef structures"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/maldives-resort-installs-3d-printed-clay-reef-structures/
date: 2026-06-16
modified: 2026-06-16
lang: en
author: "Joseph Caron-Dawe"
description: "Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort has placed 13 flower-shaped reef structures in its surrounding lagoon, produced by reef restoration company rrreefs using 3D printed fired terracotta clay, steel reinforcement, and a..."
categories:
  - "3D Printing Processes"
  - "Sustainability"
tags:
  - "future"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maldives-3D-printed-clay-reef-05-640x400.jpg
word_count: 475
---

# Maldives resort installs 3D printed clay reef structures

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort has placed 13 flower-shaped reef structures in its surrounding lagoon, produced by reef restoration company rrreefs using [3D printed fired terracotta clay](https://www.voxelmatters.com/ead-partners-with-archireef-to-3d-print-marine-ecosystems/), steel reinforcement, and a minimal concrete component for structural integrity. 

The installation, named Theyra Maa — meaning "13 Flowers" in Dhivehi — was developed by a team that included Co-Founder Josephine Graf, Head of Production Mauro Bischoff, and Marine Ecologist Dr. Julia Spaet, alongside Dr. Gerrit Nanninga, a Research Fellow in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.

Bischoff described the material and geometric rationale behind the structures: “[We designed the Theyra Maa reef structures using durable and sustainable materials, with fired terracotta clay as the primary component](https://www.voxelmatters.com/3d-printed-terracotta-reef-tiles-successfully-installed-in-the-arabian-gulf/), complemented by steel and a minimal amount of concrete to ensure structural integrity.

“Every element of the design has been carefully considered to support coral growth. The flower-inspired forms create gentle water movement around the structures, helping coral larvae settle more effectively.

“The 3D printed clay also features a unique microstructure with tiny cavities between each layer, providing sheltered spaces where young coral larvae can attach and grow while being protected from predators. Achieving the right level of porosity in the clay is equally important, as it encourages the formation of beneficial biofilms that support coral settlement while helping maintain a healthy balance within the surrounding ecosystem.”

[![Maldives resort installs 3D printed clay reef structures](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maldives-3D-printed-clay-reef-03-640x400.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maldives-3D-printed-clay-reef-03.jpg)

[![Maldives resort installs 3D printed clay reef structures](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maldives-3D-printed-clay-reef-01-640x400.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maldives-3D-printed-clay-reef-01.jpg)

## Conservation rationale and cross-sector collaboration

The project, supported by Edelweiss Air and help alliance — both part of Lufthansa Group — is rrreefs' first direct collaboration with a resort property.

“This partnership with rrreefs is particularly exciting as it marks the organization's first direct collaboration with a resort, bringing together shared values and a genuine passion for ocean conservation,” said Oriana Migliaccio, Resident Marine Biologist at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort.

“The Theyra Maa installation is a truly unique project, [combining innovative reef restoration technology with meaningful environmental action](https://www.voxelmatters.com/danish-harbors-biodiversity-growth-3d-printed-reefs/). Opportunities like this are still relatively rare, and we are proud to work alongside rrreefs and our partners to support coral reef recovery and strengthen the resilience of our coastal ecosystems for future generations.”

[![Maldives resort installs 3D printed clay reef structures](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maldives-3D-printed-clay-reef-04-640x400.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maldives-3D-printed-clay-reef-04.jpg)

[![Maldives resort installs 3D printed clay reef structures](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maldives-3D-printed-clay-reef-02-640x400.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maldives-3D-printed-clay-reef-02.jpg)

## Fighting the decline of reefs

Graf explained the fundamentals behind the broader mission, as well as its urgency.

“The inspiration behind rrreefs comes from a deep passion for the ocean and a determination to take meaningful action against the rapid decline of coral reefs, which are among the first ecosystems at risk from climate change,” she explained.“ Through projects like Theyra Maa, we aim to support reef resilience and regeneration while raising awareness of the urgent need to protect our marine environments.

“Together with Anantara Dhigu and Edelweiss Air, we are creating a project that not only supports coral reef regeneration, but also demonstrates the power of cross-industry partnerships in protecting our oceans for future generations.”