Project Utopia: A Floating Island Paradise at Sea

<a href="http://www.yachtislanddesign.com" target="_blank">Yacht Island</a> recently unveiled plans for a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/gensler-to-break-ground-on-floating-thames-river-park-for-london/" target="_blank">floating eco-paradise</a> capable of charting the seven seas. Dubbed Project Utopia, the vessel was designed in conjunction with BMT Nigel Gee, to serve as an off-grid destination spot. The sturdy structure hosts a miniature <a href="http://inhabitat.com/offshore-oil-rig-escape-pods-used-as-floating-hotel-rooms-in-the-netherlands/" target="_blank">floating</a> city complete with retail shops, restaurants and hotels.

Project Utopia is similar in size to a commercial cruise liner and is big enough to host a small population. The “<a href="http://inhabitat.com/whale-shaped-floating-garden-cleans-the-worlds-rivers/" target="_blank">island</a>” is circular in shape, measures 330 feet in diameter, and spans 11 decks of living space.

The top decks are covered with a glass <a href="http://inhabitat.com/shanghais-stunning-sun-valley-pavilion-boasts-the-worlds-largest-membrane-roof/" target="_blank">canopy</a>, which allows sunlight to filter into the interior.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/last-surviving-ellis-island-ferry-transformed-into-a-floating-home/" target="_blank">vessel</a> remains stable in choppy waters, thanks to four platform legs that anchor it into place, even during extreme conditions. Each leg has a propeller that allows the island to move at slow speeds in a steady manner.

Four helicopter pads provide access to the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/planetsolar-the-worlds-largest-solar-powered-boat-docks-in-hong-kong/" target="_blank">island</a> via air, and wet docks house <a href="http://inhabitat.com/take-your-next-vacation-in-a-floating-off-grid-solarhome/" target="_blank">boats</a> and jet skis for recreational use.

The interior hosts a retail area, a theater, a restaurant area, bars, nightclubs and a casino. An observation deck perched in the crow's nest area offers guests a 360 degree view at 65 meters above the sea.

Although still in the concept phase, the British company is moving forward, offering several luxury yacht <a href="http://inhabitat.com/gigantic-airship-hangar-transformed-into-tropical-island-resort/" target="_blank">island </a>design concepts.