Material selection significantly influences marine biological assemblages yet, optimized material selection has rarely been a central consideration when designing and fabricating artificial reefs for restoration across temperate and tropical coral ecosystems. Traditional materials such as steel, concrete, plastics and anthropogenic waste, dominate artificial reef construction, despite often falling short in addressing the complex needs of diverse marine life and concerns regarding their long-term environmental impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. This research adopts an approach integrating design, ecology, and material chemistry, to develop sustainable solutions for marine habitat restoration. We have engineered a novel, environmentally compatible calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) based material specifically optimized for reef-building organisms. This environmentally friendly material has demonstrated promising biocompatibility and versatility in fabrication methods, including advanced techniques such as paste-based 3D printing. Our transdisciplinary approach represents a significant advancement in artificial reef design, prioritizing material properties that closely mimic natural reef substrates which can be safely consumed and recycled in-situ. Initial results indicate enhanced potential for successful marine organism colonization, suggesting promising applications for diverse restoration efforts. This research contributes valuable insights to the field of marine restoration, offering a replicable framework for developing and implementing environmentally conscious materials in reef restoration and conservation efforts.