Innovative Modular Styling Redefines Marina Life in Southern France

Published: 14 Feb 2025
Structurelab Architects have their sights set on transforming the marina experience in Southern France with their recent unveiling of an innovative floating marina.

As scenic as Sormiou’s Calanque in the South of France already is, it is soon expected to offer an even more dazzling sight. The innovative German studio, Structurelab Architects, has released an enticing concept of a floating marina that merges expansive space with modular sophistication. Dubbed the ‘Lotus Marina’, this audacious design is intended to redefine how yachtsmen experience life on the water.

The floating structure—stretching an impressive 400 square metres—showcases a versatile layout that cleverly accommodates a plethora of functions. The Lotus Marina’s modules could, with equal ease, function as hotel rooms, commercial spaces, or vibrant outdoor areas.

The alluring heart of the marina is set to be an open restaurant on the water’s edge—appealing to visiting yachts from afar. However, as captivating as the restaurant will be, the undisputed social hub of the marina will be the mezzanine, replete with a buzzing event space and lively bar.

The structure itself is designed to pay homage to its setting, with generous use of recycled materials, including 100 per cent recycled plastic and special marine-grade wood. Each module is tastefully balanced on two curved wooden beams. providing a sturdy yet elegant support, while a fixed sunshade gives respite from the South of France sun.

Designed to cater to vessels under 24 meters in length, the marina’s brilliance lies in its scalability. According to designer Jürgen Schubert, the project can be easily expanded or scaled down to suit diverse needs, also allowing easy application to different geographical locations. This exciting, forward-thinking concept made its debut as a competitive entry at the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, hinting at a promising future for marina designs.