Chipperfield and Giugiaro on Tankoa S65

NEWS	PHOTOGALLERY

They’re twins, but different. The S65-11 and S65-12 are by Tankoa Yachts, a Genoese yard producing displacement luxury yachts between 50 and 75 metres in length. They combine hull hydrodynamic research by Vincenzo Ruggiero with the stylistic creativity of Francesco Paszkowski, the Florentine designer who handled the external lines. The first two commissions are based on the same platform. The new design, called Tankoa, is a 65-metre displacement megayacht with five decks, trans-Atlantic range, tough steel hull, and light alloy superstructure. The difference between the two yachts lies in the diverse custom fittings chosen by their respective designers – David Chipperfield for the S65-11, already sold, and Giugiaro Architettura for the S65-12, currently on sale. Scheduled delivery dates are 2011 for the S65-11 and 2012 for the S65-12.

Edoardo Ratto, General Director of Tankoa Yachts, says: “David Chipperfield and the owner have personalised the first model, while Giugiaro Architettura has left many options open. Her lines, though, still reflect the distinctive style of this important name in Italian design. Both yachts have been given modern, sober and elegant furnishings, without too many concessions to unnecessary frills, reflecting our yard’s philosophy. We emphasise refinement based on technology and comfort.” The side view of the S65 features long windows uninterrupted by invasive railings, apart from a fleeting element in the support for the final element enclosing the sun deck. These clean lines are echoed in the circular platform aft, which can be used as a helipad or an original-looking relaxation area. This shape lightens the classic tendencies of the overall design, along with other curved elements – the Jacuzzi hydromassage pool, bar and sunpad area. Another innovative feature is the garage, which can be used a beach club, with loungers at sea level once the aft bulkhead has been lowered. The external saloons are laid out on the main and upper deck terraces.

David Chipperfield has created some interesting modulations. In the S65-11 the furnishings all reflect a minimalist modernity, with soft, white, square divans emphasising opulent comfort and generous open spaces that allow the volumes to breathe freely. The bridge is on the sun deck, along with the skipper’s cabin, and on-board living takes place on the two decks below. The team in the Milan studio of David Chipperfield Architects, which handled project development, said: “This design will help make the experience of sailing on a superyacht unique. The challenge has been to create interiors with a domestic quality that still retain a design inspired by seafaring life. Colours and materials generate a delicate effect, while variations of white in the technical fabrics, leathers, Corian and lacquered woods act as a background to the brightly-coloured volumes and furnishings.”

The S65-12 presents a very different look. “The entire sun deck is available for the owner’s use,” explains architect Aldo Cingolani, General Director of Giugiaro Architettura. “We’ve moved the pilot house to the lower deck to leave a huge section of the yacht – ninety-five per cent of the entire width of the deck – entirely at the owner’s disposition. As a result, the owner’s cabin is spectacular, enjoying the superb view opened up by the wide sweep of semi-circular forward windows. Further aft are the bathroom, gym and study, a charming reserved space that creates an evocative attic over the sea.” On the upper deck guests pass from the exterior lounges with dining tables to the dining room for twelve surrounded by divans, then the living area and home cinema. There are five lower deck VIP cabins, each with a spacious bathroom, and an enormous open space extends from the beach deck aft into the belly of the yacht, creating the ideal venue for parties and receptions.

“Our studio,” Cingolani continues, “focussed on quality of details, and, above all, a concept of highly-evolved luxury. This involves bio-architecture, ecology and a harmony between technology and materials. On the S65-12 you’ll find innovative materials, some of which are completely new in the nautical field. They’re eco-compatible and can create a blend of the natural and the scenic. In the bathrooms, for example, a composite resin proved to be the ideal solution for sculpting personalised tubs and accessories.” The bathrooms offer external views through special windows that fill every space with natural light. The effect of the futuristic furnishings is underpinned by the ingenious lighting system, with LEDs of an infinite range of colours operated through dynamic light regulation, and stretched ceilings made with Barrisol, a membrane for backlit false ceilings with light-motion systems. seA cutting edge project for the new Italian yard!

Andrea B. Nardi

(Yacht Design, n. 3/2009)