Abstract
The reduced regulatory framework for superyachts under 500GT offers a significant opportunity for a greater percentage
of interior volume to be assigned to guest activities, due to a reduction in both crew area requirements and fire insulation
and the absence of certain requirements such as an emergency generator. There has been growth in the value of the
superyacht charter market in recent years, with the 30m-50m segment representing 58% of the market in 2013. In 2012
33% of the World's superyachts were delivered to Europe with Loa averaging 42.5m. Therefore, there is market
opportunity for a privately owned yacht built with consideration to generate the maximum possible income when
chartered. Clients expect to have their emotional needs fulfilled to elicit feelings of luxury and pleasure. The design
challenge here is to address the cultural specificities of luxury for a range of potential charter clients. Adaptability of
space is critical to facilitate a range of user activities through optimising the reduced space is the sub 500GT segment.
This paper presents a design proposal which engages in Design-Driven Innovation, resulting in an avant garde vessel,
which effectively engages in a range of roles through the use of transformable interior space, which has a reconfigurable
layout combined with a highly adaptable exterior space. This is in contrast to current designs, which tend to have a linear
approach to the usability of a vessel through elements that can add valuable extra client space, such as platforms that
unfurl. Due to the sub 500GT interior volume being stretched over 50 m, the resulting superstructure is sleek and well
proportioned. The styling is fluid and biomimetic, resulting in an elegant dynamic form, which is in contrast to the more
architectural forms of contemporary vessels. Due to the vast amounts of exterior space it is aimed at the high net worth
owner who prefers to cruise the warmer climates such as the Mediterranean, resulting in a yacht more suited to outdoor
leisure usage. The sundeck canopy is a biomimetic design feature, which is partly constructed from ETFE. This
facilitates Passive Design implementation through the heating effect of air trapped in the leaf like structure, which
promotes the stack effect air flow from the interior, reducing the HVAC load. The design proposal addresses the
sustainable luxury agenda through the implementation of Passive Design, and the use of a transformable interior layout
to achieve a high degree of space utilisation, thus providing a range of user activities emulating the experience of a
larger vessel.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Unknown Host Publication |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Event | Design and Construction of Super and Mega Yachts - Genoa, Italy Duration: 13 May 2015 → 14 May 2015 |
Conference
Conference | Design and Construction of Super and Mega Yachts |
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Country/Territory | Italy |
City | Genoa |
Period | 13/05/15 → 14/05/15 |