Article written by
BOAT International
Published on September 3, 2024
Advanced technology, innovative design concepts and a growing emphasis on sustainability are just some of the ways in which superyachts are continuing to evolve, and staying ahead of these emerging trends is crucial for designers, builders and enthusiasts alike. Looking at some of today’s stand-out features, we offer a glimpse into what could define the next generation of superyachts.
Responsive design
As technology expands and develops, there is a growing trend for designers looking to intertwine art with technology. Responsive design, also known as immersive art, has been a big talking point in the industry recently.
A major project which caught attention back in 2020 was 107.2-metre Luminosity’s 370-square-metre interactive LED walls, designed by Zaniz Studio. Since then, responsive design has become ever more popular on board, with Perini Navi’s 46.5-metre ArtExplorer showcasing a 16-metre cinematic tunnel whose walls are wrapped in LED light installations.
Currently, responsive design plays with movement and light but in the future, we might see the trend encompass touch, smell and temperature.
Nature takeover
We’re already seeing a shift towards yacht designs that champion an improved connection to the water – like the open aft deck on the Benetti Oasis models or the underwater viewing lounges on board 83.5-metre Savannah and 75-metre M’Brace.
The next phase may see greenery make more of an appearance on board. A recent nature-focused project that stole the spotlight was Heesen’s 67-metre Sparta, its three decks symbolising the elements of water, earth and air.
Interior restyling
During and after the pandemic, we saw a significant spike in yacht usage among both owners and charterers, with some spending weeks at a time at sea.
Based on this, we might expect to see people readjust their attitude toward their yachts by focusing less on wow factor and more on comfort and liveability. Instead of grand pianos, elaborate dining saloons and disused Jacuzzis, owners may opt for additional offices, larger gym areas or cosy media rooms.
Central to this ethos is Nuvolari Lenard’s 202-metre Centerfold concept, a design that evokes feeling, according to the studio, rather than purely aesthetics. Interior styling is also shifting towards neutral tones and comfortable furnishings as opposed to cool, contemporary themes designed for dazzling, rather than living.
The power of artificial intelligence
It’s no doubt that AI is beginning to weave its way into many industries, and this is no different in the world of yacht design.
Over the past year, we have seen various shipyards and designers embrace AI in order to enhance the guest experience on board. Azimut was one of the first with the installation of smart home automation on board the Magellano 60.
More recently, Rossinavi harnessed the power of AI to maximise environmental efficiency on board the 43-metre hybrid-electric Seawolf X. Whilst AI is still in its infancy, the industry has so far proven that the technology can be useful in numerous ways on board, and we can expect this evolve rapidly in the coming years.
Explorer-style amenities
Alongside strong demand for explorer yachts we’ve also seen an uptick in trend for explorer-style features, even on regular superyachts.
Holterman’s 32.6-metre Lady Fleur is a good example of this, incorporating a hydraulic aft platform that doubles as a tender bay and swimming pool. Warming firepits, larger toy lockers and toy-carrying aft decks are becoming more commonplace, with Wider’s 49.9-metre Stern able to house a submersible.
In keeping with that theme, yachts may start to get more rugged and functional in appearance – something that’s highlighted by the booming in the popularity of conversion superyachts.
Glass galore
The use of glass has grown in the past few years, with more designers beginning to use it for aesthetic purposes as well as functional ones.
We’ve also seen it become more frequently used for structural purposes too, as the material becomes more durable and easier to work with.
From Feadship’s 77.2-metre Pi’s glass-clad saloon to Oceanco’s 90-metre Dar’s glossy glass exterior, it’s making a big appearance on the exterior. In the future, we may start to see glass introduced more heavily on the interior as well.
