Culturing coastal plants and animals for sustainable housing

Louisiana, like many coastal areas, is losing land, with an estimated 1800 square miles of land loss in the last 80 years. This extensive land loss can be attributed to 3 main causes: subsidence (slow compaction of soil particles), erosion, and sea level rise. Coastal inhabitants are forced to acknowledge these factors and adapt their homes to a changing environment. This project focuses on developing more sustainable models for coastal habitation that are designed to resist degradation, thrive, and grow, by participating in the positive life cycles of the ecosystem. These homes will also aid in restoration of local deltaic environments. The current project aims to integrate bioengineered oyster reefs into the structure of coastal homes. These artificial reefs are currently being used as breakwater devices in some locations on Louisiana coast. As oysters (Crassostrea virginica) begin to grow on these reefs, their strength can increase by a factor of 10, providing a better, longer lasting foundation for the houses. The engineered reefs are made of a porous cement with biological additives, which allows water to flow through, causing more energy dissipation and sediment deposition. As sediment continues to deposit, growth of coastal plants such as Spartina alterniflora will help to maintain the structure of this new land. With these capabilities, homes will be more resistant to the impacts of coastal storms. Along with the use of the bioengineered oyster reefs, a coastal demonstration building has been designed and built using different techniques to resist storm impacts and improve energy efficiency. Integrating architecture, bioengineered structures and plant biology can enhance both individual habitations for humans as well as the coastal ecology, improving sustainability for all.