“We hope that the owners, their family and friends, will be able to feel the passion that moved us while designing this project which is—for me—contemporary in a whole new way.” This is what Cristiano Gatto has to say about the Project Orion yacht interior design, which he and his team are creating. Here are the first looks at what the owners and guests may get to enjoy aboard this Heesen superyacht.
The 164-footer (50-meter), whose keel laying took place in September, is under construction on spec. She’s part of the shipyard’s 50M Aluminum FDHF series. As for Gatto, Heesen chose his studio, having already collaborated together on Project Jade, a similar-size build.
Also going by her hull number, YN 20750, the new yacht has a gross tonnage of 499, but Gatto is striving to make her feel even more voluminous. Simultaneously, he’s creating a look to complement the modern exterior styling. With the shipyard’s own interiors company, Heesen Yacht Interiors, Gatto is using 37 different woods, woven leathers, marbles, silks, and other materials for furnishings, flooring, and walls.
In commenting more about the Project Orion yacht interior design details, Gatto says it’s “the result of our research moved by matching and partially contrasting needs: comfort in luxury.” Sometimes in design, luxurious pieces don’t necessarily support a comfortable environment, and comfort-oriented pieces don’t necessarily suit a well-appointed ambience.
Balancing the two, Gatto additionally says, “We have combined construction details and opulent materials to use as crown jewels that refine the space whilst making sure it stays cozy and comfortable.” Some of this comes through the use of particular shapes, he adds. Ultimately, the combination of silhouettes, along with intricate details and their materials, will make the difference for the yacht.
Of course, Gatto and Heesen anticipate the yacht selling prior to the anticipated delivery date in February 2025. They therefore will tailor arrangements and the design according to what buyers prefer and how they like to live. For now, the superyacht has accommodations for 12, including a main-deck master suite and multiple interior and alfresco lounges.
What won’t change, though, is the yacht’s hybrid propulsion system and anticipated performance. Twin 800-hp MTU engines will be aboard, a lower horsepower than you might expect but still more than enough to permit a top speed just over 16 knots. At her best diesel cruising speed of 12 knots, fuel burn should be just 26 gph (98 lph), excluding the air conditioning and other hotel loads operating. Underway at 10 knots with the hybrid system engaged, meanwhile, Project Orion should burn 12 gph (45 lph). Other battery-only operations, including some silent cruising, are further possible.
Cristiano Gatto Design cristianogattodesign.com
Heesen Yachts heesenyachts.com
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