Crescere

Crescere, the Latin word meaning ‘to grow’, is the latest concept to come from US-based design studio Designova Creative. Founder of the studio J David Weiss reveals some of the thinking behind the interior of the 127m motoryacht, which is packaged in a seed-inspired exterior.

Crescere’s name is derived from the unusual core of the vessel: a greenhouse that spans multiple decks, including the main and lower decks. This is a naturally lit area enclosed by a giant swathe of glass that extends along the centre of the hull form. This concept pushes the boundaries of what is expected from large yachts.

The arrangement of the space was inspired by an owner’s vision for a layout
that combines rest (Rest) and recreational (ReCreate) areas—she has not been designed as a party boat. The ReCreate sections of the vessel are social areas that are illuminated by natural light and can be opened up to the exterior environment. In contrast, the Rest spaces are darker, quieter areas where guests can go to relax and recharge.


At the centre of the greenhouse is a tropical-garden lounge and living space with an integrated smart watering system to manage the health of the plant life on board. We are looking to work with conservation societies to select appropriate plant species to populate the ReCreate spaces. We are also collaborating with specialists to develop a mechanism that will allow significant portions of the glass panels in the greenhouse to slide away to let fresh air pass through the middle of the yacht. This will be possible due to the internal structure, which keeps the vessel structurally sound while allowing the large-scale convertible opening feature to work.

The exterior is partially inspired by the velvet seedpods of the Wisteria, with form and line folding seamlessly into one another.

We also wanted to capture the shapes created from the aerodynamic paths taken by air in a wind tunnel, or the sea around a hull form, echoing the organic focus of this project.

The initial thinking for powering Crescere is an electric-diesel hybrid, with biofuel generators powering electric motors for primary drives during general navigation, and traditional diesel power for faster crossings.