Lifestyle
Explore the Mind-Blowing 367-Foot Concept with an ‘Amphi-Lounge’ for Unforgettable Underwater Views
It is unusual for a superyacht the size of a football pitch to be described as “ethereal,” but Bannenberg & Rowell may have just created the exception. The London studio has unveiled a new 367-foot vessel that boasts an unusually airy buoyancy for a vessel of its size.
The concept known as Kappa incorporates swaths of glass “interwoven” with structural elements to produce “fluid-like” forms with a sense of transparency and openness. According to the studio, this lends the ship a “ethereal appearance” that belies her size and weight.
Dickie Bannenberg, the studio’s leader, told Robb Report via email, “Although a number of our recent designs have been envisioned as yachts for the post-hedonistic age, this probably doesn’t quite qualify.” “Kappa is unabashedly audacious, with vast exterior spaces, soaring architecture, and a nearly exoskeleton-like foredeck.”
The studio has also incorporated elements that blend with the surrounding sea to create a sense of connection with the water for those on board. The pièce de résistance is the “amphi-lounge.” It is advertised as a “underwater viewing gallery” where sailors can immerse themselves in the marine environment. The beach deck features a glass stern that allows the infinity pool to merge seamlessly with the ocean.
The bird’s nest at the superyacht’s aft is a further notable design element. Instead of a single level, the deck has been divided into multiple levels. The “island” at the bow features an alfresco dining table and is connected to the main deck by a bridge that functions as a tender crane. The vessel also features a beach club and fitness centre on the lower deck, two additional pools, a helipad, storage for two jet skiers, and a scuba diving shop.
Regarding propulsion, Bannenberg states that the superyacht could be conventionally diesel-powered, but a hybrid installation is more plausible. Additionally, Kappa is equipped with a razor-sharp bow to help her efficiently traverse the oceans.
Bannenberg & Rowell is renowned for its fearless, boundary-pushing designs. In 2016, the studio collaborated with Feadship to create Joy, a 230-foot, multi-deck masterpiece that included an outdoor basketball court, gym, and disco. While that vessel was a sight to witness, Kappa’s ethereal edge may set her apart from the competition.
