A L U M I N I U M
I S S U E
•
n° 3 0 •
ALU MIN IUM
2 0 2 2
ISS UE - n° 30 - 202 2 - € 10
© Jouin Manku
[ MEGAYACHT ]
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An invitation to experience a close relationship with nature and see beyond conventional ideas. Unique, versatile solutions welcome guests on board this 75-metre yacht by Admiral and designed by Azure Yacht Design in collaboration with archineers.berlin. Interiors by studio Jouin Manku by Paola Bertelli
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Image Azure Yacht Design
oft, sensuous, flowing shapes inspired by nature
The indoor and outdoor spaces combine refined residential and
are designed to generate the thematic harmony that
yacht design solutions with a generous 2.7 metre headroom, wide
characterises Kenshõ. The cultured, original and
windows and light, natural colours. Every individual piece of
daring minds of the team of international designers
furniture was designed by the Jouin Manku studio and archineers.
the owner brought in to develop his superyacht have together
berlin and made by carefully-selected artisans from across Europe.
created a 75-metre craft that offers a new reading of established
The sundeck and upper deck are entirely taken up by the day
yacht design codes.
areas with interior and exterior lounges. The decision to locate the
The exteriors are by Azure Yacht Design (The Netherlands) in
wheelhouse on an intermediate level between upper and main deck
collaboration with archineers.berlin (Germany) and the studio
also creates an impressively large space on the forward upper deck
Jouin Manku handled the interiors working hand in hand with
with the main 85 square-metre saloon overlooking the sea. Here,
Trappmann Consulting (Spain). Admiral - flagship brand of The
large sofas run along semi-circular guides, so when they are placed
Italian Sea Group (Italy) - was responsible for construction. Laid
together they form a perfect half-moon for watching a film or the
out over four decks, the yacht displays an appealing coherence – the
changing moods of the sea. A corridor – or rather, an art gallery -
exteriors and interiors reflect a holistic design, framed by curved
links the saloon with the more intimate lounge af . Its doors separate
lines that seem to have been shaped by the sea, providing guests
or join the two spaces and provide a 270° view of the sea. Two VIP
with a unique seagoing experience enhanced by the tightly-focussed
cabins are located on the main deck with the master suite forward.
attention to detail brought to bear by the designers and builders.
Rather than the usual saloon, the stern features a multifunctional
The view from the stern is especially striking, as it highlights how
area with two tables that when put together can seat twelve diners.
the same design has been repeated vertically, from the waterline
The dazzling chandelier is custom-made by Crystal Caviar.
to the mast. The choice of an uninterrupted teak surface between
The owner’s apartment comprises four spaces with great spatial
the upper deck flooring and the ceiling of the deck below gives
versatility. More intimate spaces can be created by closing the large
the design rhythm and flow, as well as a strong identity. The four
sliding doors. The door between the sleeping area and saloon is by
decks are linked by sculptural staircases with an organic shape that
the artist Steaven Richard – made of metal, it is clearly inspired by
seems to have modelled on natural marine shapes, the result of a
the East Asian aesthetics found throughout the yacht. The bathroom
four-month-long, millimetre perfect design process.
hosts a basin carved out of a single block of calacata marble from
The interior layout is based on a reinterpretation that generates
Carrara, Admiral’s home city.
great versatility and displays a contemporary style where artfully
The five guest cabins on the lower deck were conceived as cocoon-
selected materials like teak, marble, onyx, silk, wool, bronze and
like spaces, and here too sliding doors play an important role – when
glass are used to inspire emotions. Take, for example, the bright
open they reveal the washbasin, a sort of floating onyx credenza
main deck bulwarks with gilded leaves between panes of wavy glass,
surmounted by a large mirror that becomes part of the room. Glass
wild teak flooring and walls, calacata marble bath, decks linked by
and fabric doors isolate the shower and dayheads to the left and
a glass sandwich lift with a wide-weave fabric creating the effect
right of the cupboards for bath utensil. To the rear there is access
of a lamp moving between decks, sculptural wooden stairs and the
to the beach area with a scenic 22 cubic metre sea-level pool with
walls in embossed leather.
glass tub and SICIS mosaics. https://admiral-yachts.com
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The view from the stern reveals how the decks restate the same design concept, rising vertically from waterline to the mast, and horizontally from stern to bow. Opening pages, the upper deck lounge and the gallery connecting it to the forward saloon; all the doors reveals lateral and longitudinal views to the exterior, a feature
Image Azure Yacht Design
repeated on the other decks
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Organic, dynamic shapes in the exterior spaces. The lounge on the forward sun deck (left) boasts a manta ray sun bed, seating lounge and intimate jacuzzi integrated into the deck house. On the aft deck (left) the bar, sofa and dining lounge are all crowned by the sky light and high special finish dome. Below, the main saloon overlooking the sea on the upper deck and the main deck saloon (below right) with the two sliding tables, here in the dining version. The ceiling lamp is a design by Crystal Caviar
Image Azure Yacht Design
© Jouin Manku
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© Jouin Manku
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Image Azure Yacht Design
Exterior Design Onne Logger & Erik Spek of Azure Yacht Design Holger Schulze-Seeger of archineers.berlin
T
he owner really wanted to create his own design and experience on board. His strong motivation from the start was to come up with unique design ideas and solutions and create the ultimate smart design, as efficient as possible. The way we interpreted this was to approach the design insideout, ensuring the owner’s residential specifications and co-creating the special exterior design as it is right now with him and archineers.berlin. They pushed the design forward with their extreme, creative ideas and working methods. With their keen eye for detail and constant drive to go that extra mile, Kenshõ became one of the most detailed projects we have worked on. The development of the ultimate layout by Azure and client covered a period of just over a year. The optimizations didn’t stop after signing – we all continued to shape and transform the design into the owner’s dream. From day one, the owner was focused on relocating the wheelhouse to achieve the ultimate viewing spot forward for the guest living room and integrate the wheelhouse into the
Image Azure Yacht Design
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bow together with the tender garage. The design started out with a length of 49m. As the height steadily grew due to the extravagantly lofty ceilings, the length needed to be increased to match these proportions, finally reaching the magical limit of 75m. With Kenshõ we have used one design experience for all the decks, which are also interconnected, enhancing the energy flows. The sun deck is worth highlighting as it is one of the owner’s main visionary design elements. Not wanting the sun deck to be an afterthought, we developed a functional layout that suited the relaxation experience envisioned by the owner himself. As the aft deck is connected to the foredeck by a spacious corridor, the aft deck provides a large bar, sofa, dining lounge, all crowned by the skylight and high, specially-finished dome. The foredeck has a manta ray sun bed, seating lounge and intimate Jacuzzi integrated in the deck house, offering an amazing view and a versatile yachting experience. Voyons Voir’s symbiotic lighting design was adopted for exteriors and interiors. VV’s outstanding approach made a great impression, creating a natural emphasis and supporting the
Right, Onne Logger (left) and Erik Spek, directors of Azure Yacht Design, who worked in tight collaboration with Holger Schulze-Seeger (right) of archineers.berlin. The sketch, below, shows the rib-shaped exterior forms. Opposite page, the generous exterior spaces. The forward main deck lounge transforms into a touch-and-go helipad
overall design. Their philosophy is based on working with the unusual idea of inventing islands of illumination, helping to enhance the perception of different spaces and functions. As part of the exterior design, Azure was also responsible
for the design of the custom limousine tender, selection and materials of loose furniture, and deck equipment selection and design for like the passerelle, swim ladders, exterior shower, and sun awnings.
Image archineers.berlin
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Interior Design
Sanjit Manku & Patrick Jouin portrait: © Benoit Linero
Sanjit Manku, Associate Partner at the Jouin Manku Studio
© Jouin Manku
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hen we met the owner, Azure Yacht Design and archineers. berlin the exterior design had already been finalised and the concept of a natural, holistic boat was clearly defined. There had to be a dialogue between the exteriors and interiors. When we started asking the owner about the project, what became clear was that he was looking for a new kind of hybrid. What I mean by that is that we weren’t designing the interiors of a boat or a house, we are designing something that was a vessel, a tool that gave him the means to live out his dreams and observe nature, to look at things from a different perspective. He has a great fondness for Asia - European spaces feature plaster, stone, and metal, while Asia means wood, paper, and fabric. It’s softer. In terms of the materials, we’ve used a relatively small selection. I like to call it duets or trios, most of the time, versus the whole symphony. We are not trying to do everything with stone and marquetry. How do we find, like a duet or a trio, something that is an essential combination of voices? And those voices are coming through materials. For example, our wood is not the typical kind of quarter-cut soft wood that is exactly perfect. It is a little bit wild, it has a voice, it talks about its life. We can marry that with leather and silk, and make for something that has a quiet type of energy
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that continues to channel back to the client. When we make spaces, how do you feel comfortable in the space? It’s more than just materials, it’s about scale and size. We wanted to sculpt the spaces on the boat. We designed every single piece on board. We didn’t look at brands to get all these custom things done, we sought out artisans from across Europe. We worked with Ebénisterie Générale, who did most of the custom furniture, Pilot AG for the incredible sliding dining tables and Preciosa for our free-floating lamps. Crystal Caviar helped us with the fabrication of a very special chandelier in the dining room. We also worked with artists and artisans, including Axel Sanson, who did an installation work in all the bathrooms and another artist, metal worker Steaven Richard, who made the metal door installation between the owner’s living room and bedroom. Another group, de Gournay, worked on a hand-painted silk wallpaper. We collaborated with some very talented people, including Helen Amy Murray, who crafted a three-dimensionally textured leather for the hallway walls. We’ve created a beautiful balance. I love the fact that we have extroverted and introverted spaces, settings that are calm, bedazzling and glamorous. Some projects can be about muscle and ego, this one is really about joy.
Image archineers.berlin
© Jouin Manku
© Jouin Manku
Patinated bronze and fibreglass sandwich panels with a delicate fabric for the lift (right). Above, the owner’s suite and bathroom with its sculptural bath carved out of a single block of calacatta marble. Top, left, Sanjit Manku (left) and Patrick Jouin from the Jouin Manku studio
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The shapes of the exterior stairs are inspired by America’s ancient Antelope canyons. Kenshō is powered by a diesel-electric system using permanent magnet electric motors providing outstanding efficiency and power in a relatively small package. She sails at a cruising speed of 13.6 knots and a max speed of 16 knots
Image Azure Yacht Design
The Shipyard Giuseppe Taranto Vice-President & CCO of The Italian Sea Group
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enshõ is an exceptional example of a full custom project brought to completion by TISG. Its entire design and build exactly reflected the owner’s stylistic specifications, confirming our know-how and special skills in the construction of wholly tailor-made megayachts, with intense attention to detail, innovation and environmental sustainability. The owner had already had experience of Northern European yards and wanted a yacht that reflected his personality and requirements down to the smallest detail. His was a constant, vital presence at every stage of the project, and he showed himself to be skilled, demanding and truly passionate. Kenshõ’s strong points have to be firstly, the diesel-electric propulsion system with permanent magnet electric motors providing high efficiency and power in a small package, and then the futuristic cutting-edge design. During the yacht’s development we placed great emphasis on the environment, in line with the Classification Body’s ECO certification. The propulsion system includes five variable-speed generators,
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all equipped with anti-particulate systems to optimise consumption at all speeds and reduce atmospheric emissions. This owner asked for this hybrid propulsion, and the yard took this on board and developed a diesel electric propulsion system with azimuth pod, variable speed generators and provision for a lithium polymer battery pack. The yacht was challenge mainly to ourselves. The Italian Sea Group looks on every project as an opportunity to improve its already exceptional technical, operational and stylistic standards. The owner’s apartment is a totally unique area, an oasis of calm and elegance providing an extraordinary level of comfort and quiet. In the living area the strength and tradition of teak frame the space, its impact softened by the use of silk. Natural light, which enters through the four large windows looking out onto the sea, helps create a relaxing, intimate atmosphere enhanced by drawings and engravings by a Japanese artist that give this interior a resemblance to a Zen retreat.