MYS exclusive: Lateral Naval Architects presents new 102m superyacht concept Balance

Lateral Naval Architects has exclusively unveiled its latest 102-metre superyacht concept on the first day of the Monaco Yacht Show 2018: Project Balance. Developed in collaboration with Oceanco and Sinot, project Balance highlights technical innovation within the industry, offering more space and increased efficiency paired with a spectacular performance.

The 102-metre project Balance is based on Oceanco’s LIFE platform. Created together with Lateral, the platform leverages key naval architectural principles to develop a design which weighs less, needs less power as well as less technical space, thereby lowering overall GT and offering a better balance of luxury and technical areas on board, resulting in a single tier engine room. “Where conventional designs of this size would employ a full height engine room, Project Balance can utilise a single tier design to deliver more benefits to the owner,” says Alex Meredith Hardy, Lateral’s Principal Naval Architect. “The single tier engine room at the heart of the LIFE platform delivers greater accommodation and lifestyle space, more flexibility in layout, and, ultimately, a yacht of perfect balance.”

On board, the new project will be able to accommodate up to 14 guests across seven staterooms, including four double suites on the lower deck, two VIP apartments on the main deck as well as a dedicated owner’s deck, with personal facilities. Project Balance interior styling includes teak detailing in the ceilings, the stern and on the side grill to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

“From the beach club up to the observatory, the five decks provide vast space for outdoor activities, lounging and dining - with the main deck featuring a 10-metre pool and an outside cinema found on the bridge deck,” says Sinot on her design. “On the lower deck, the efficient single-level engine room creates a very spacious area for the stunning open beach club, the Laguna lounge, a large gym and a fully equipped spa with sauna. In short, Project Balance is the perfect family yacht; her innovative layout and design will set the new standard for future generations.”

Powered by a hybrid propulsion system, which includes twin 16V2000M72 engines, the new project is configured to offer multiple operational modes, which have been matched to the variable operation profile of the yacht. She features a range of 5,300 nm at a cruising speed of 16 knots, with a top speed of 18.5 knots.

“We do not live in a linear world,” adds James Roy, managing director at Lateral. “The world is in balance, our earth and its ecology act as a coordinated system to maintain the balance of nature and a state of equilibrium. A small change in a seemingly benign parameter is balanced out by another to ensure the complex system remains in balance. Balance, then, is the inspiration for our project. Project Balance is a yacht with a natural balance of proportion, form and space - achieved by taking inspiration from the laws of nature and asking new questions.”