A palace on the sea

The Selazzio 95 Sea Palace is a 95m concept by Austrian design studio motion code: blue in collaboration with Icon Yachts. Managing director Christian Gumpold talks to us about the design and its development in collaboration with the Dutch shipyard.

Following interest in our H2 project, which is an energy autonomous superyacht that we created for H2-Yachts, Icon Yachts approached us to create and develop a modern looking explorer yacht for the 2013 Monaco Yacht Show. The decision to opt for this vessel type comes as a result of the growing trend for explorer yachts, which offer ample exterior deck space. Selazzio 95 Sea Palace incorporates a number of ideas in an attempt to take this vessel type to a new level.

Based on an existing 95m hull platform by the Dutch shipyard that benefits from a beam of 22m, this concept sets a new standard in terms of the available space that can be used. The vertical stem design, with its concave and convex hull surfaces, achieves a very modern looking aesthetic. A very characteristic and dominant arch begins at the foredeck and stretches over the superstructure to the aft deck, framing the large stern section of the yacht. This design element is the most eye- catching feature of the profile and enhances the strong and masculine appearance of the exterior.

One of the main features of this yacht is the beach ‘house’: a three-level beach club and spa area towards the stern. It includes a massive Jacuzzi with a waterfall, two vertical gardens, a bar and a huge spa area with saunas and a hammam, all of which are located on the lower deck. On the main deck, the beach house includes a six-metre by three-metre pool, surrounded by a ring-shaped video wall. Two wide staircases either side of the vessel on the lower deck provide access to a formal entrance on the level above. The third level of the beach house is a sundeck with direct access provided to the pool below. The bottom of the pool doubles as a helipad and, when raised, it becomes flush with the deck and acts as a CAP 437 helicopter pad.

A raised balcony called the ‘spine’ connects the beach house sundeck to the upper deck spa area, three metres above the main deck. This innovative feature is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. When the stern hatches are open, a ‘seafront promenade’-style walkway is created in the shape of a U and provides walk-around access at sea level.

The wide and elegant interior design featuring columns and spherical shapes is highly inspired by architecture and palaces, which influenced the name for this project. The bow section is reserved for the owner, which features a wide terrace that is located directly in front of the large split-level owner’s suite. Above, the wide bridge with its characteristic overhangs on each side guarantees good viewing for navigation, while the aft section of this deck includes an indoor/ outdoor dining area with a vast balcony. The sundeck above is equipped with a bar and large sunbeds, and is accessed via the staircase or elevator, which cuts through every deck up to the observatory deck.

The Selazzio 95 Sea Palace features a 12m tender and a submarine, which are launched and retrieved through two side hatches. The technical specification is based on Icon’s optimised platform, with the propulsion system open to the owner’s preference and will be offered under the MCA LY3 13-36 classification.