Palm tree branches are used as a simple measure to respond to the imminent threat of coastal erosion – due to rising waters and habitat destruction – on Tarawa Atoll, Kiribati. Inserted into the sand, the spoon-shaped branches constitute an ideal barrier, causing sea currents to slow down and deposit sand material into the concave inner surface of the leaf branch. Sand mounds are thus created which gradually elevate coastline embankments, allowing aquatic plants such as mangroves to grow and secure the beach.

Progress: The project is focused on innovative material use and design solutions for endangered coastal areas in tropical and subtropical climates. The strategy is resilient, comprehensive and systematic in order to ensure simplicity of deployment and effective function. Due to the overall simplicity and reliance on locally-available materials the concept is highly transferable, affordable and broadly applicable.

People: Although the project’s primary focus is aimed to provide fundamental living condition and basic needs for people that live in vulnerable coastal areas, the scope that the project effectively covers is much broader. It builds with the values and skills of local communities, creating adaptable and stimulating environments. The collective approach is extremely important in all phases of design, construction and the entire life cycle of the project.

Planet: The project is designed to have an extremely low ecological impact both in terms of material used for construction – the project utilizes the palm leaf stems that are usually a waste material that a palm tree periodically sheds, during the construction, as no heavy machinery or power tools are needed, and during the effective lifespan, when the heterogeneous network structure relies on robust design and shape of the unit and its position while all the energy needed for construction is provided passively through the water flow. Materials used are locally available and affordable, very durable, fully recyclable and renewable. The network provides a protective environment and habitat for a large number of birds and fish supporting and promoting biodiversity.

Prosperity: Due to strategic use of best possible natural materials that is at the same time considered waste product and are practically free of charge, we are able to eliminate any direct building material related expenses. The efficient design and implementation process with its broad spectrum of direct and indirect economic benefits for the involved communities provides a resilient long-term investment and at the same time open up possibilities for cultural and know-how exchange.

Place: Simple and resilient. The material system creates coexistence with the landscape, through multi-objective design and passive construction processes.