Traditional design of coastal structures (where a significant wave-structure interaction is governing the physical processes) is based on using "hard" materials such as concrete and rock. Innovations including nature-based solutions (such as vegetation, or oyster reefs, ...) for improving the ecological conditions around the structure are urgently needed. However the effects of adding these solutions on the overall design and stability of the coastal structures are not yet investigated. In return, the design needs to provide optimal conditions for the nature based elements for survival in harsh (storm) conditions. In this research a range of structures (offshore monopile scour protection, hybrid dune-dike systems, artificial oyster reefs) will be investigated regarding the applicability of those nature-based solutions, with a detailed focus on the overall performance of the coastal structure and the impact on the ecosystem.