Foster + Partners made use of natural materials to blend the interior spaces with the superstructure. Skylights are created to introduce natural light below deck. The aluminium hull is complemented by a palette of simple natural materials, such as teak and leather, to create a sense of discreet luxury.
Conceived as a flexible yacht for charter, Panthalassa has a maximum speed of 15 knots, rises to 59 meters in height and has capacity for up to 12 guests and a crew of ten. Rather than a single owner’s suite with smaller guest quarters, the six individual cabins share similar proportions, reflecting its design for charter purposes.
The accommodation is arranged to provide a range of spaces, from smaller, more private retreats to flexible, open living areas. The deck features a variety of places to relax and an informal outdoor eating area, complemented by a more formal dining space inside.
The three levels – a fly deck, the main saloon and the guest and crew quarters below – are connected by an oval stair, which is surrounded by light-reflecting acrylic rods to mirror daylight back into the living areas. The lounge, bar, library and boardroom have screens that can be opened to create a generous central saloon.
The colour palette is a mix of off-white and natural tones. Materials include teak, saddle leather panels on the walls and granite table surfaces. Inside the cabins, there is leather wall panelling combined with silk rugs and gold and black marble tiles in the shower areas.
Foster + Partners has given keen attention to bring natural light into the saloon. The firm has created interior spaces that offer the choice between privacy or a more social experience. Partitioned with electrically operated glazed screens, the saloon can either be divided or unified into one large function room. The stairwell acts as a dramatic light reflector to enliven and illuminate the space.
Inside the cabins, the hull has been stripped away and storage areas are moved towards the centre of the boat to expose the curve of the superstructure, while maximising daylight and views from the additional portholes. An organic, curved chaise-langue thread around the hull of each cabin provides informal seating and a wall divides each room from its private marble-lined bathroom.
There is a glazed wall between the boardroom and captain’s deck, which ensures that the water is always visible. Besides storage for jet skis and two pascoe tenders, the yacht also has entertainment and communications equipment, integrated into the furniture and interior panels.
Foster + Partners worked in collaboration with naval architect Ron Holland, Italian luxury yacht builder Perini Navi, lighting consultant Aqualuce and other teams.
The 20th MYS was held from 22-25 September 2010 at Port Hercules, Monaco. Prix du Design Award honours innovative yacht design.
