inxect island repurposes oil rig for plastic-filtering ecosystem powered by mealworms

Pavels Hedström imagines an ocean-cleaning ecosystem

Inxect Island (IXI) envisions a future where fossil fuel infrastructure is repurposed into resilient, autonomous homes in the face of the escalating climate crisis. The concept by Pavels Hedström addresses the mounting issue of ocean plastic waste by transforming old oil rigs into plastic-filtering ecosystems. Thriving on these rigs are self-sufficient villages, vertical gardens, and photosynthesis parks all fueled by mealworm fertilizers who break down toxic plastic into protein, creating a low carbon footprint solution to various global challenges.

all images courtesy of Pavels Hedström

inxect island spreads across six self-sufficient villages

The Inxect Island industry complex features a large-scale plastic filtration system at its core, surrounded by mealworm habitats. Here, the insects consume processed plastic, converting it into protein-rich biomass through a vertically integrated robotic system that automates breeding, feeding, cleaning, and harvesting. The biological degradation of plastics by mealworms produces chitosan, used in biodegradable plastics and organic fertilizers. These fertilizers supply energy to various sustainable agricultural operations within the complex, including a photosynthesis park, hydroponic systems, and bamboo plantations, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Designer Pavels Hedström divides the island into six villages, which accommodate between 60 and 100 residents each. Each includes diverse, compact housing units connected by a central green boulevard with a thriving bamboo plantation, enhancing the biophilic quality of the environment and fostering a connection with terrestrial nature even at sea. These villages are self-sufficient in food production and building materials, made possible by regulating glass technology that protects from radiation and optimizes plant cultivation conditions. The bamboo-constructed living units come in various sizes with flexible floor plans, offering unobstructed views of the internal greenery and the ocean horizon beyond.

IXI utilizes mealworm faeces as fertilizers to amplify the growth of bamboo

tackling global issues in the face of climate change

By 2050, oceans are predicted to contain more plastic than fish, posing a severe threat to marine life and ecosystems. This pollution extends beyond coastal areas to entire ocean basins, affecting even remote oceanic ecosystems. Further with over 12,000 oil rigs and platforms worldwide, many will be decommissioned as the global energy demand shifts towards renewable sources.

Pavels Hedström proposes to convert them from oil extractors to ocean plastic-filtration systems. Their stability and mobility are utilized to efficiently collect and process plastic, turning it into protein through mealworms — the larvae of the Darkling beetle. As they can consume and digest toxic plastic harmlessly, they can convert it into energy for growth and colony expansion with low carbon. 

Pavels Hedström imagines old oil rigs transformed into plastic-filtering ecosystems

the Inxect Island industry complex features a large-scale plastic filtration system at its core

with over 12,000 oil rigs and platforms worldwide, many will be decommissioned by 2050

proposed site for Inxect Island

transforming a semi-submersible oil rig into an inhabitable artificial ecosystem driven by ocean plastic litter

project info:

name: Inxect Island (IXI)
designer: Pavels Hedström | @inxects

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom