area 123 | on the water

architect: Foster + Partners

year: 2009

Panthalassa, literally translated from Greek as ‘all the sea’, draws inspiration from the vast, ancient ocean with a yacht that evokes the timeless thrill of sailing. The 56 metre-long, 10 metre-wide yacht has a maximum speed of 15 knots, rises to 59 metres in height and will alternate between the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Blending the interior spaces with the superstructure – the existing aluminium hull is complemented by a palette of simple natural materials, such as teak and leather, to create a sense of discreet luxury.
With capacity for up to 12 guests and a crew of 10, the accommodation is arranged to provide a range of spaces, from smaller, more private retreats to flexible, open living areas. The three levels – a fly deck, the main saloon and the guest and crew quarters below, are connected by a gently curved oval stair, which is surrounded by light-reflecting rods to mirror daylight back into the living areas. Skylights have also been used to draw soft light down into the boat, reducing solar gain while naturally illuminating the interior spaces. In the main saloon, the lounge, bar, library and boardroom are opened up to create a generous central space.