Oceanside, California has faced decades of severe beach erosion, threatening its coastline and recreational areas. Responding to community advocacy, the city launched the Re:Beach Design Competition to source innovative solutions from international firms, where ICM’s Living Speed Bumps concept was selected as the winning design.
Project Details
Client: City of Oceanside
Date: 2023-2027
Location: Oceanside, California
About this Project:
The Challenge
Oceanside has struggled with coastal erosion for over 80 years, losing significant amounts of sand despite repeated replenishment efforts. The community, recognising the critical need for long-term solutions, advocated for the city to launch the Re:Beach Design Competition. This initiative invited international firms to propose innovative approaches that balanced sand retention with community and environmental priorities, such as preserving surf conditions, recreational spaces, and ecological health.
The Solution
ICM’s winning proposal introduced the Living Speed Bumps concept, a sustainable, nature-based approach to sand retention. This design slows natural sand movement without disrupting coastal dynamics, ensuring long-term stability and adaptability.
Key features of the project include:
Onshore Artificial Headlands: Situated at Tyson Street Park and Wisconsin Avenue, these headlands slow sand movement along the back beach, stabilising sand, encouraging dune growth, and creating accessible green spaces for community use.
Offshore Artificial Reef: Positioned between the headlands, the reef reduces wave energy, encourages nearshore sand retention, and enhances surf conditions by creating more consistent breaks.
Building on proven methodologies like the Narrowneck Reef in Australia, ICM tailored the design to meet Oceanside’s specific challenges. Community input was integral throughout the process, ensuring the project addressed local concerns, including the preservation of surfing conditions, accessible beach areas, and ecological sustainability.
“Our Living Speed Bumps design showcases how nature-based engineering can transform coastal resilience while respecting community and environmental needs. Oceanside’s initiative sets a global example for innovation in coastal resilience.” - Aaron Salyer, Director, ICM
Services Provided:
Coastal erosion analysis
Community and stakeholder engagement
Preliminary Design
Upcoming detailed design phase (2024–2026)
Future construction phase (2026–2027, TBD)
Get in Touch:
With decades of expertise in innovative coastal management solutions, ICM is a global leader in building resilient coastlines through nature-based approaches like the Living Speed Bumps. Whether addressing erosion challenges or enhancing recreational spaces, our tailored designs work with natural processes and deliver long-term results. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your coastal resilience goals.