German studio Structurelab Architects has released a modular marina concept designed for the Calanque of Sormiou, one of the largest inlets in Southern France.
With an expandable area of 400 square metres, the floating structure – known as Lotus Marina – consists of several modules that could function as hotel rooms, commercial spaces or outdoor areas. An open restaurant on the water's edge is designed as the major draw for visiting yachts, though the central area of the marina would be the "social hub" with its event space and bar.
The leisure spaces would be combined with "eco-friendly anchoring methods" to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem and seabed, as well as photovoltaic panels and a rainwater recycling system to reduce energy and water consumption.
Recycled materials would comprise the structure itself, including 100 per cent recycled plastic and wood "specifically developed for marine environments".
Lotus Marina is engineered for sub-24-metre vessels, though designer Jürgen Schubert told BOAT International that the project is "very easily scalable", as well as having easy application to other geographical regions.
The concept was first submitted as an entry in the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, organised by Monaco Marina Management.