Silver Ghost

The Freivokh design studio, which is featured in SuperyachtDesign Q7, is working on four major projects in the 90 to 150m bracket. On the 144m Ghost illustrated, the team explored the possibilities available when following a deconstructivist approach.

The structure and envelope or skin are handled separately for optimum efficiency as part of a minimalist approach and to achieve the free-form surfaces, while retaining the structure in its purest form to create a fully visible articulation of the space frame structure. Freivokh describes his approach “as stimulating unpredictability with controlled chaos—it is totally functional but displays our lateral thinking and ‘out of the box’ approach to design.”

The Ghost concept is one of total flexibility, where a tremendously rigid space frame system takes care of the torsional strength, and allows large span openings, such as particularly large shell doors to accommodate the likes of a 50-foot Sportfish tender, which on most yachts could only be a towed or stowed on deck. Such space frame structures, in some cases combining vierendeel trusses with more conventional space frame structures, are largely used on large contemporary buildings to achieve rigid and safe triangulated spans. This all-embracing structure is designed to replace the conventional longitudinal beams, bulkheads, ring frames and structural columns of traditional yacht construction.

Conversely, the skin of the yacht is designed for maximum efficiency in providing protection against water, wind and weather, and maximum visibility out to the sea and sky. Furthermore, the concept’s green credentials are particularly strong, as strategic areas of the skin incorporate electricity-generating solar panels imbedded in the surface, able to handle most hotel loads, but also assist with the hybrid propulsion, energy recovery systems and silent-running generators.

Another first in yachting terms is the “honest” expression of the complex systems as an integral part of the design. Such visibility will not only add to the interest and the feeling of being part of a complex machine, but also aid maintenance and control.

Ghost also boasts a number of innovative features, such as underwater viewing windows, sliding helipad platforms, opening skylights, a glass sided pool in a gymnasium, a massive atrium with balconies and flying bridges linking the various spaces. The design has been developed to achieve efficient hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance that should also provide a quieter environment underway.