Elegant aft deck setting suitable for evening cocktails beneath the stars

Heesen Yacht: A partnership between Cristiano Gatto Design Team and Heesen Yacht for a Client

The owner of this yacht asked Cristiano Gatto Design Team for an easy and clean design that matched his lifestyle and tastes. Tasked with a design brief that asked for a straight bow and a generous use of glass, the exterior of Home, designed by Laupman, is characterised by her long waterline, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the dawn of a new design language. In addition, the colour scheme balances the yacht’s design, de-clutters it, and helps it breathe. The two-tone palette features no less than fourteen different hues of white.

A wide central staircase and spacious aft platform are just two of the design features that make Home a cut above the rest. Her chiselled bow with sharp lines gives her a progressive buoyancy when carving through rough waters.

Angular shapes continue with the rectangular openings of the bulwarks, the strict use of straight sliding doors – there are no rounded glass elements – and the salons are tapered to give an emphasise elegance to the aft area.

Home boasts a striking profile and head-turning aesthetic, says Laupman, with a design that allows for a larger amount of space on the main deck forward. She boasts vertical and horizontal elements that provide a calm and elongated silhouette, but there is still a reference to the soft lined Heesens of previous years; this is beautifully exemplified by the mast foot on the top deck that rises like a wing, and supports the roof in a romantic reference to Heesen’s design heritage.

There are no less than three separate spaces on board Home that provide impressive views and a clear line of both the water and the sky thanks to full height windows and the lack of architectural barriers – the owners’ suite, the aft saloon, and the sky lounge – one of the most outstanding areas on board, with windows like a veranda overlooking the ocean.

In a Heesen first, the wide, sweeping central staircase in the aft saloon, proportioned in keeping with the bulwarks, leads directly out on to the large fixed swim platform, where there is ample space for sun loungers, and which make Home particularly attractive and open from the aft end.

Awash with natural light and clear, uninterrupted visibility, the saloon provides direct access to the open stern and deep platform, inviting guests to swim in the open waters, as well as making for an elegant space from which to receive guests from the tender.

The main deck features a similarly relaxed, modern style – a glass-sided veranda leads into the main saloon, while the sun deck boasts a circular spa pool situated aft. Al fresco dining is provided on the upper deck aft, once again blurring the distinction between interior and exterior spaces.

The master stateroom is located on the main deck forward and features an expansive use of glass that gives Home her feeling of openness, but which is carefully balanced with the needs and comfort of the owner when the boat is at sea.

In the master stateroom included a private study, a large bathroom with shower stall, and a full beam bedroom with walk-in wardrobe. It features floor-to-ceiling windows, with no barriers to obscure the view when sitting on the sofas, giving a clear line of both the water and the sky.

Despite this, Home features 33 per cent more external glass than previous 50m Heesen semi-displacements vessels. Guests are accommodated in five luxurious staterooms on the lower deck, of which the forward one is far more spacious and can serve as a VIP-guest room – arranged over the yacht’s full beam – if required.

Fabrics, leathers, and lacquered surfaces are in polar white contrasting with the warmth of teak, while deep red and burgundy – the owner’s favourite colour – pieces of iconic loose furniture catch the eye and juice up the almost minimalist design. Throughout the yacht two main veneers, brushed Spruce and grey Koto, are used in different finishes and hues.

The panoramic saloon on the upper deck features Flexiteek flooring to underline the continuity between exterior and interior spaces. Informally decorated and enclosed by full height glazing, from both a visual and functional point of view it seems to be one with the large stern terrace, which is a perfect spot for al fresco dining while under way.

The main deck discovers a relaxed elegance – a glass-sided veranda leads into a comfortable main saloon with an L-shaped sofa and indoor dining rectangular table. Breaking the functionality oriented design, a stunning contemporary stainless steel lounge chair by Franco Poli stands out.

Higher up, the sun deck boasts an expansive bar area finished in Corian and sheltered by a large hardtop, while a circular jacuzzi is situated aft.

For fitness lovers, a fully equipped wellness area – with gym and spa – is located on the lower deck aft, and has a convenient direct access to the main deck aft through an internal staircase.

Words Ross Wolfe | Photos David Churchill And Jeff Brown (Breed Media)

For more information please visit www.heesenyachts.com.