super yacht – DesignApplause

40m zero-emission domus redefines trimaran concept.

Dec 1, 2022

the idea for the domus trimaran concept started from a simple question: why not?

‘just because superyachts are what they are now, it does not mean they should stay this way.(…) we were constantly looking at every aspect of the design and saying, ‘i know we do it this way normally but is there a better way?’ the designers share. ‘therefore, we truly believe that this project will redefine what a multi-hull sailing superyacht can be.’ they add.

after calculating the smallest vessel size that can host a one-floor layout without it being too bulky, the designers started forming domus as an amalgamation of different innovative ideas. domus is a perfect example of a unique design combination of solar power, hydro regeneration and hydrogen fuel cells that give the concept unlimited range with zero emissions. prioritizing speed, space, and sustainability, the domus concept aspires to become the first-ever truly zero-emissions superyacht.

above> the top deck allows for solar panels to supply the battery bank with all the necessary energy during the night

above/below> while sailing, the windward hull will come out of the water reducing the drag through the water resulting in more speed

all photos courtesy of domus trimaran.

rob doyle design focused on naval architecture, performance, and structural feasibilities, while van geest design developed the layouts and styling.

70M spira. a scott henderson yacht concept.

Jan 23, 2014

above>a 70-meter super yacht concept: 70m of innovation.

scott henderson ~ SPIRA derives its name from the Latin word for Breathe. When one thinks of a Super Yacht’s traditional archetype, the primary elements that come to mind are the hull and superstructure and how the decks interact within that composition. Three decks slice through the superstructure diagonally, not horizontally. This unexpected structural solution suggests an aquatic breathing metaphor…a formidable sea creature’s gill, and gives SPIRA’s side-view a unique and stunning look. At the same time, this treatment of the vessel’s structure evokes the iconic image of a ship’s sails overlapping each other while being filled by the wind.

The three decks seem to be layered on top of each other at the bow, peeling apart and rolling their edges outward and upward as they move aft, naturally and elegantly forming the side barriers for the exterior decks on each of the three upper tiers.

The upper decks cross diagonally through the superstructure instead of a more traditional horizontal intersection. From the interior looking outward, this creates the visual effect of an open loft space, as much larger and more open views of the outside surroundings are obtained through the superstructure’s exterior glass walls which are no longer confined by horizontal and parallel fields of view. To achieve this effect, the interior decks are floating from the inner wall of the superstructure’s exterior glass by a half-meter.

The yacht incorporates an integrated and intersected helipad on its bow which comfortably lands a Robinson R44 Raven II or Eurocopter AS365, with access through a flush hatch which leads into the interior of the cabin. At the stern, the volume behind the Jacuzzi houses two jet skis and other water toys which load into the water via a sliding ramp that positions the jets skis past the swim deck prior to lowering them into the water.

An A.Frame structure intersects the three upper decks as one visually continuous surface, flowing into the arced communications tower above the sun deck and then back down to the main deck. This bold surface visually simplifies the architectural composition of the mega.yacht because of its singular and continuous line. The bold and dominate A.Frame’s outer edges blend into the superstructure’s exterior glass tangentially, heightening the look of her fearsome power and ability to slice through wind and ocean with streamlined efficiency.

A high level of functionality, her clean ‘hydro.dynamic’ form factor, and the emotional resonance of the ‘aqua.pomorphic’ and nautical metaphors intrinsically imbedded into her design, the mega.yacht SPIRA is instantly memorable and iconic.

[ scott henderson ] is an American product designer working in Brooklyn, New York City. Known for his innovative consumer products in the areas of houseware’s, electronics, furniture and his line of Museum Store gift objects called MINT, the 70-meter SPIRA Super Yacht follows his earlier concepts: PRIONA, QUILLON and MANTA from, 2012.

about phil patton

Superyacht. Zaha hadid.

Oct 17, 2013

above> 295-foot JAZZ yacht (left) next to the 420-foot concept yacht | renderings & video courtesy of zaha hadid architects | click > enlarge

Zaha Hadid’s latest is a yacht—five yachts, actually, each of them a variant on a family of boats with a fluid, biological look. Each can also be customized in comfort features and other outfittings by the company of Blohm+Voss, which also did a Philippe Starck design earlier.

420-foot concept yacht

The idea of the Unique Circle Yachts allows for variation of a genotype and its phenotypes. The company says, “Zaha Hadid’s design is malleable to suit the very individual wishes and needs of a potential customer.”
Hadid’s office describes the Unique Circle Yachts this way:

The overall design is informed by fluid dynamics and underwater ecosystems, with hydrodynamic research shaping the design of the hull. The exoskeleton structure of the upper section is an interwoven network of supports that vary in thickness and lend a natural aesthetic to the yacht’s external appearance; evoking the organic structural systems of natural marine formations and connecting the various levels and decks of the ship seamlessly via expressive diagonals.

Whereas traditional yacht designs adhere to a strict horizontal order, this exoskeleton creates an intense connectivity between the various decks and elements of the design. The fluid design language of the master prototype has been applied to the five subsequent 90m variations of the Unique Circle Yachts, creating a design with the highest correlation between the various options.

295-foot JAZZ yacht

main cabin

owner’s cabin

>model of concept

Architect
Zaha Hadid Design
Design
Zaha Hadid
Patrik Schumacher
Design Team Thomas Vietzke, Jens Borstelmann, Daniel Widrig, Sofia Daniilidou, Ben Grubert, Phillip Mecke, Patrick Euler
Naval Engineering Michael Von der Heide, Thomas Sperling

L.O.A > 90.0M (295 FT)
Beam (Max) > 16.0M (52FT)
Draught > 4.2M (13FT)
Speed (MA X) >16.0 KN
Cruising Speed > 14.0KN
Range > 5000 Nautical Miles
Class > Lloyd’s Register
Propulsion > 2X2160 KW | diesel via gearbox to fixed prop
Manoeuvring System > 1 X Bow thruster

1> concept
2> JAZZ
3,4> JAZZ aft
5,6 > main cabin
7,8,9 > owner’s cabin

[ official release ]
The design concept, launched at the latest exhibition of Zaha Hadid’s work at the David Gill Gallery in London, is based around the sculptural form of a master prototype conceived for a 128m yacht. In addition, the Unique Circle Yachts by Zaha Hadid Architects for Blohm+Voss is a family of five individual 90m yachts that creatively explore the design philosophies of the master prototype within the technical requirements of a fully-engineered yacht design.

The overall design is informed by fluid dynamics and underwater ecosystems, with hydrodynamic research shaping the design of the hull. The exoskeleton structure of the upper section is an interwoven network of supports that vary in thickness and lend a natural aesthetic to the yacht’s external appearance; evoking the organic structural systems of natural marine formations and connecting the various levels and decks of the ship seamlessly via expressive diagonals.

Whereas traditional yacht designs adhere to a strict horizontal order, this exoskeleton creates an intense connectivity between the various decks and elements of the design. The fluid design language of the master prototype has been applied to the five subsequent 90m variations of the Unique Circle Yachts, creating a design with the highest correlation between the various options.

The 90m JAZZ yacht is the first of the five Unique Circle Yachts that has been technically specified and detailed by the naval architects at Blohm+Voss. Its lineage from the 128m master prototype is evident, with further technical refinements to address the specifications required for ocean crossings.

In addition to JAZZ, four further 90m yachts have been designed to fulfil the different requirements and individual requests of their designated owners. Each design will vary in layout according to the owner’s preferences.

The design process was very much a collaborative one, with Blohm+Voss and ZHA working together to address the practical challenges of designing a yacht while remaining true to the design language of the master prototype. The resulting designs are the synergy of Hadid’s design vision and the technical expertise of Blohm+Voss, allowing a flexibility and customisation in the eventual design of the yacht.

“As a dynamic object that moves in dynamic environments, the design of a yacht must incorporate additional parameters beyond those for architecture – which all become much more extreme on water. Each yacht is an engineered platform that integrates specific hydrodynamic and structural demands together with the highest levels of comfort, spatial quality and safety.” explained Zaha Hadid.

Blohm+Voss has the proven experience, the in-house technical expertise, and the capacities to offer tailor-made solutions for the most demanding buyers in the superyacht market. The naval architects of Blohm+Voss are forever pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. In recent years Blohm+Voss has built many of the world’s most prestigious mega yachts. These include the groundbreaking 394-foot “A “designed by Philippe Starck , the “Eclipse”, designed by Terrence Disdale, which at 533 feet (162.5 m) is the world’s second largest private yacht. Other Blohm + Voss superyacht projects include, the “Mayan Queen IV” and the “Palladium”.

Dr. Herbert Aly, CEO and Managing Partner of Blohm+Voss says: “On an aesthetic level, a superyacht is a great design task as everything is customised down to the last detail. A superyacht is by definition an exercise in total design, where every detail is looked at with attention and refinement. In the past, in the era of steam liners, there has been an attempt of utilising ship building elements in architecture. Zaha Hadid and her team have taken this ethos and created a bold new vision and a new benchmark in the design of superyachts.”

Aly adds: “The idea of the Unique Circle Yachts allows for variation of a genotype and its phenotypes, offering a range of possible solutions based on an cognate platform. As a result Zaha Hadid’s design is malleable to suit the very individual wishes and needs of a potential customer which lies at the heart of Blohm+Voss’ approach to yacht design. The strength of the design lies not just in its functionality and form, but also its effortless adaptability.”

Zaha Hadid Architects and Blohm+Voss have transformed yacht design; creating an innovative concept and developing this vision into a fully seaworthy prototype that offers dynamic new possibilities for naval architecture.

[ zaha hadid architects ] [ blohm+voss ]

about phil patton

70m priona. A scott henderson yacht.

Feb 2, 2012

click > enlarge

The versatile designer Scott Henderson, who last year produced the Slat chair, is thinking bigger. He has designed a striking new concept for a yacht—inspired by a shark. Not necessarily designed for the ninety nine percent, but imaginative. Henderson did the vessel in response to an invitation from the UK publication Super Yacht Design. The 70 meter vessel is called Priona, after the scientific name of the Blue Shark. [ scott henderson ]

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