Exterior Styling and Interior Design of the Wallypower 118
1999 - 2003
Collaborator: Eva Christine Schenck/ Naval Architecture: Rodriguez Intermarine
Lazzarini Pickering’s original project for the interior and exterior of this yacht was conceived as if it were sculpted from a single block of material, without any interruption between the parts. The result is a deconstructed profile that literally inaugurated a new era in nautical design.
The teak surface of the external deck splits into different levels inside the boat, defining the functional surfaces of the interior. The use of the cockpit continues into the living room, divided from the exterior only by a continuous glass surface that makes the interiors feel like they are outside. The carbon fibre and glass envelope covering the living room, dining area and navigation cockpit, pursues the maximum transparency and visibility.
The interior layout is also dominated by fluid interconnected spaces, divided on three different levels. A play of steps creates movement in an otherwise unitary space: a horizontal plane, supporting a set of linear sofas, rises up to become the base of the dining area, or drops down to create a shelf. The result is that the different levels seem to have been carved out inside a unique solid volume.
The glass strip in the floor of the living room is a skylight that illuminates the corridor and master cabin below, creating an effect of a waterfall of light.
The materials employed in the project are both highly innovative composites, primarily ultra-light and ultra-rigid carbon fibre, with veined teak paving introducing softer tones.
The ability to transform the structure determines the multifunctionality of the spaces and functions: the ultra-light carbon fibre table can be fully stowed during navigation, and fully opened when moored.
The strength of the project lies entirely in its decisive sharp lines, similar to cuts that stand out against the horizon. Nothing in the project disturbs the sense of agile dynamism that defines the interiors as much as the exteriors. The architects thus eliminated typical service elements such as grabbing devices, renouncing any exposed or projecting element that would alter the absolute fluidity of the boat’s spaces.
