Plenty of yacht design proposals these days claim to be different, but few truly are. Even fewer have engineering already calculated into the creation. Neither problem is the case with Ocean Atrium, a 163’7” (49.9-meter) megayacht from UK-based Liebowitz & Pritchard.
The firm’s partners, Richard Liebowitz and Erica Pritchard, each have strong experience in interior design and styling of power and sail projects alike. Notable deliveries include the motorsailer MITseaAh and the expedition motoryacht Steel, each built by Pendennis. Like Steel, Ocean Atrium has a go-anywhere profile, though Liebowitz & Pritchard are offering it in three self-explanatory configurations: Explorer, Streamlined, and Stealth, the latter being the largest one pictured above.
What really sets Ocean Atrium apart, however, is the “Atrium” aspect. Inside the 32’8”-beam (10-meter-beam) megayacht, Liebowitz & Pritchard have incorporated a truly grand, even theatrical, two-level reception area that further incorporates what the designers call an Events Deck. Inspired by splendid atriums in luxury hotels, fine homes, and more, the designers wanted to present owners with a distinctive, flexible space. It will be as adept at hosting parties (whether private or corporate) as it will more forward-thinking purposes, like research presentations.
Clearly, the landing-like areas means plenty of people can engage with each other and move with ease. But the Events Deck is also a key component. Liebowitz & Pritchard envision loose furnishings that can be arranged in a handful of different configurations, even removed for some purposes. Picture a big party or corporate meeting, for example: 30 to 40 people can be seated around a large, U-shape table. If commissioned as a private-only yacht, or even a charter yacht, Ocean Atrium’s Events Deck can have casual seating opposite a dining table—what Liebowitz & Pritchard call a family chill-out and dine space. For owners who want to support scientific expeditions, the megayacht’s Events Deck can house a small sub and lab.
Whatever configuration someone chooses for Ocean Atrium’s Events Deck, Liebowitz & Pritchard have further elements in mind to further differentiate the megayacht from other designs. For one, the stairway wraps around a garden, which itself isn’t limited to plants visible solely on the lowest level. The bulwarks also fold down off the Events Deck when the megayacht is at anchor or at the dock. And, when you consider that the main deck is still visible from the uppermost interior deck, the atrium is nearly a three-level affair.
Even with this grand area, Ocean Atrium has balanced spaces for a megayacht of her LOA. The master suite, forward on the main deck, contains a dedicated office, walk-in wardrobe, and his-and-her bath. A fold-down balcony enhances the 700-square-foot (66-square-meter) suite without making it feel disproportionate. There’s also a private cinema, a massage area, and accommodations for 10 guests and 12 crew. With the trend toward keeping tenders in dedicated garages, Liebowitz & Pritchard have also done that, though determined a 30-foot one can easily fit, larger than you’d expect.
Anticipated to be built in aluminum, Ocean Atrium comes in just beneath the all-important 500-gross-ton threshold. She has a shallow-water-friendly 7’5” (2.3-meter) draft and an anticipated 3,500-mile range based on 18,000 gallons of fuel and a customary economical speed. Liebowitz & Pritchard predict a 19-knot top end and 16- to 17-knot cruise with twin 1,800-hp MTUs. Last but not least, the designers have even thought about achieving sound levels lower than classification societies like Lloyd’s require: 40 to 45 db-A in primary guest areas (60 is the level of normal conversation).
For more images of Ocean Atrium, visit the Megayacht News Google+ page. And, for more information directly from Liebowitz & Pritchard about Ocean Atrium, please fill out our contact form.
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