Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort collaborates with rrreefs on innovative 3D printed clay reef project | News
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort announces a new partnership with rrreefs to introduce an innovative 3D printed clay reef installation to the resort’s surrounding lagoon – a meaningful step in the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine conservation and regenerative travel experiences in the Maldives.
Supported by Edelweiss and Help Alliance, both part of the Lufthansa Group, the project combines advanced reef restoration technology with nature-inspired design to promote coral regeneration, encourage marine biodiversity and support the long-term resilience of fragile reef ecosystems.
The installation consists of 13 flower-shaped clay reef structures called Theyra Maa, which means ’13 flowers’ in Dhivehi, and symbolizes renewal, growth and the flourishing of marine life in the resort’s lagoon ecosystem.
Brought to life by the expertise of the rrreefs team, including co-founder Josephine Graf, production head Mauro Bischoff and marine ecologist Dr Julia Spaet, alongside Dr Gerrit Nanninga, a research associate at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the installation is their collective vision that combines innovative design, scientific research and a shared passion for protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems for future generations.
“We designed the Theyra Maa reef structures using sustainable materials, with baked terracotta clay as the main component, supplemented with steel and a minimal amount of concrete to ensure structural integrity,” says Mauro Bischoff, the visionary behind the project.
He added: “Every element of the design has been carefully considered to support coral growth. The floral-inspired shapes create gentle water movement around the structures, allowing coral larvae to settle more effectively. The 3D printed clay also has a unique microstructure with small voids between each layer, creating 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 just as important, as it promotes the formation of beneficial biofilms that support coral colonies while helping to maintain a healthy balance within the surrounding ecosystem.”
The reef structures are made from natural clay using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology and have been carefully designed to mimic the complexity of natural coral habitats. Over time, the installation is expected to provide a nurturing environment in which coral fragments, reef fish and marine life can flourish, helping to restore the vibrant underwater ecosystems surrounding the island resort.
“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 true passion for ocean conservation. The Theyra Maa installation is a truly unique project, combining innovative reef restoration technology with meaningful environmental action. Opportunities like these are still relatively rare, and we are proud to work with rrreefs and our partners to support the recovery of coral reefs and the resilience of our coastal ecosystems for generations to come ,” said Oriana Migliaccio, Resident Marine Biologist at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort.
Nestled in the turquoise waters of the South Malé Atoll, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort has long championed environmentally conscious hospitality, creating immersive guest experiences that celebrate and protect the natural beauty of the Maldives.
“At Anantara, we believe that luxury and sustainability should exist in harmony,” said Jason Kruse, Complex General Manager at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort. “Our partnership with rrreefs reflects our continued commitment to preserving the marine environment that makes the Maldives so special. Through innovation, collaboration and purposeful action, we hope to create greater awareness and lasting positive impact beneath the surface.”
rrreefs brings together marine science, engineering and regenerative design to create scalable reef restoration systems tailored to sensitive coastal environments.
“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,” said Josephine Graf, co-founder of rrreefs. “Through projects like Theyra Maa, we want to support the resilience and regeneration of reefs 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 the regeneration of coral reefs, but also demonstrates the power of cross-sector partnerships in protecting our oceans for future generations.”
As a sponsor of the initiative, Edelweiss, together with the Help Alliance, continues to support sustainability-focused projects across the destination network, strengthening a shared vision for more responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
“Protecting natural ecosystems and creating educational opportunities are closely linked. Through this project we not only support the restoration of coral reefs, but also environmental education and sustainable future prospects for local communities, especially young people. Together with our partners, we want to contribute to lasting positive change for both people and nature,” said Anja Trestl, Corporate Development Manager at Edelweiss.
The Theyra Maa installation is part of Anantara Dhigu’s broader sustainability journey, offering guests of the resort and its adjacent sister properties, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort and Naladhu Private Island Maldives, the opportunity to connect more deeply with the destination while contributing to the conservation of one of the world’s most valuable marine environments.
To learn more about Anantara Dhigu’s marine conservation efforts, visit anantara.com/dhigu-maldives/sustainability.
