Recycling oil rigs into hotels and spa

Morris Architects took home the first prize as well as $10,000 for the concept of adaptive reuse for converting oil rigs into hotels and spa. To understand this innovation, a background understanding of oil rigs is necessary. There are about 4000 oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico which are of various sizes that will be decommissioned sometime in the next century. The primary method of removal is explosion. But this method poses a serious threat to the aquatic life. Morris Architects saw an opportunity in this. The Houston office of Morris Architects conceived this plan for a high-end, self-sufficient, eco-friendly hotel experience.

Vertical axis wind turbines would harvest plentiful Gulf of Mexico winds and wave energy generators could be installed for the extra power for Rig Hotel’s activities. The concept plan ranges from 300+ guest rooms to boat launches and boat slips for guests. Rooms are pre-fabricated, standard cargo containers that perfectly fit the rig platform. With the rooms on the exterior of the platform, guests would practically have an unparalleled view of the ocean. Now that’s what we call doing business in perfect harmony with nature.
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