Nature has been the source of inspiration for many technological developments. The hook-and-loop closures pioneered by Velcro, for example, were created after a researcher observed how tiny hooks on the edge of burrs allowed them to latch onto clothing, animal fur, and other surfaces that happened to have loops. Then there’s the famous swimsuit material that Speedo supplied to athletes in the recent Beijing Olympics, modeled after the drag-reducing ability of shark skin. These and countless other examples are based on the principles of biomimicry, wherein nature’s own solutions to problems are copied and interpreted for human use.
The team at De Voogt Naval Architects used biomimicry as the inspiration for its fifth-consecutive concept project, a.k.a. Feadship Future Concept. She’s dubbed Breathe, in honor of an emphasis on natural ventilation and other related eco-friendly features.
Measuring 62 meters (203 feet) and rising four decks high, Breathe immediately grabs attention thanks to a combination of dark and light structures. The idea came from zebra stripes, which the De Voogt designers learned partially serve as temperature regulators. (Indeed, some thermal imaging of wild animals has reportedly revealed that zebras’ stripes show differences in heat absorption.)
The shape of Breathe’s dark structures also came from nature. They allow air to flow and funnel along the decks much more effectively. This, in turn, means less air conditioning (and less energy consumption) and more naturally comfortable internal and alfresco spaces.
Just as Mother Nature builds in multiple uses for her forms, so, too, did the De Voogt team combine functions for Breathe’s components. Take a close look at the superstructure here. The squares adorning it are solar cells. In addition, the overall “shells” of the superstructure are transparent, letting guests enjoy filtered sunlight and remain outside without the need to erect sunshades. They can even enjoy these exterior deck spaces in the rain.
On the performance side, the De Voogt designers turned to proven technology: single-engine propulsion, commonly used in commercial shipping. In combination with the fine entry, wedge-like hull form, and wave-damping after sections, this should translate to lower fuel consumption. Just two gensets, versus the traditional three (two mains and one night genset) for the superyacht set, also means lower energy usage and emissions. (On a side note, I asked the De Voogt designers and Henk De Vries of Feadship, who oversees the creation of the Feadship Future Concept each year, why yacht owners are slow to embrace single-engine propulsion. The answer is two-fold: tradition, and fear of the unknown.)
Of course, being a megayacht, Breathe boasts plenty of creature comforts, though with a few unexpected twists. (This is, after all, a Future Concept.) The dining room can double as a conference room, for example, and instead of the typical saloon, which doesn’t see much use anyway aboard most yachts, Breathe has an intimate welcome lounge. The sundeck and lower-level beach deck are connected via a central staircase, with a skylight spilling sunlight down its length. Large windows in the beach lounge let guests enjoy both underwater views as well as vistas of their anchorage. The beach lounge further connects to a beach platform with sunbeds and a faux sand beach.
Having made her world debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, Breathe will make her stateside debut at Feadship’s stand at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
John Strikkers
Seen from behind this new FEADSHIP model Breathe looks very nice and futuristic but at the other hand seen from the front side it reminds me on Donald Duck . The lines of the superstructure seen from the front is looking like a duck beak and will spoil the total design concept and damage this shipyards reputation .
That is my comment , succes and regards John Strikkers