Floating Reef Town
Project Background
2017
Concept
Coral reefs, threatened by proximity to coastal and off-shore petroleum reserves and warming ocean waters, can be restored using existing oil rigs and the innovative process of mineral accretion.
Rebuilding reefs by repurposing unused oil rigs
Coral reefs support roughly 25% of all marine species and support the diet and jobs for 500 million people. This critical ecosystem infrastructure is at risk of exploitation due to coastal and off-shore petroleum reserves.
Instigated by the University of Texas at Austin’s IC2 think tank, The Center has proposed a concept to rebuild reefs and consequently create a floating community using a combination of defunct semi-submersible oil rigs and an innovative process called mineral accretion.
Additional technologies being implemented include OSB using invasive species, low smoke zero halogenated wire, and pallet-based housing modules.
Coral Reefs
cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, yet they support 25% of all marine species and the diet and jobs of 500 million people
Mineral Accretion
is a process utilized to promote reef restoration and counteract the exploitation caused by coastal and off-shore petroleum reserves
Defunct Oil Rigs
are available to be used as infrastructure to support reef restoration and as a base for a floating community
1975
1975
CMPBS founded in Austin, TX
1980
1980
CMPBS Featured in Metropolis Magazine
2000
2000
Pliny Receives Passive Solar Pioneer Award
from The American Solar Energy Society
2008
2008
Dell Children’s: 1st LEED Platinum Hospital
CMPBS as project’s sustainability consultant
View Project
2010
2010
CMPBS Celebrates 35 Years With Book Reveal & Celebration!
2012
2012
Seaholm Eco-District Master Plan
2013
2013
2013
EcoBalanced Master Plan on Former Brownfield
