Ecosystem restoration tools are urgently needed to restore degraded coral reef habitats. This research reviews the knowledge gaps, highlighting areas where novel, scientifically robust, small-scale reef restoration approaches could contribute to conservation efforts. A critical area in reef restoration is the design of substrates that promote reef-building processes, in particular, coral recruitment and long-term regrowth. Currently, researchers utilise marine settlement substrates that are created from a range of non-standard and potentially polluting ingredients (e.g. PVC, concrete and steel). The role of targeted microtopographic design for manufactured reef restoration substrates to promote coral growth also presents an opportunity for research-informed best practice.

Interdisciplinary collaboration among designers, conservationists, and scientists is essential to create innovative approaches to reef restoration. Biocompatible materials and nature-inspired design signify an opportunity to rethink the way we approach ecosystem restoration and research. In this research three lines of inquiry have been established: material development, surface topography design, and computational design and digital fabrication. This study introduces an innovative calcium carbonate material created without use of plastic binders. It emphasises the importance of understanding organism interactions and the role of design in ecological restoration. The design outcomes and documented processes presented, including a 9-month long lab-based recruitment study, built knowledge of: 1) experimental materials innovation 2) computational design contributions to analytical research tools in marine science, and 3) value of design methodologies to interdisciplinary research linking ecological coral behaviour, new materials, and digitally fabricated settlement forms. By integrating novel, sustainable materials into small-scale restoration efforts, this project aims to create a harmonious balance between technological advancement and, reef research and restoration. This research presents a proof-of-concept design model and prototype, ideal for up-scaling and for further exploration in the laboratory and field.