112' Westport Yacht Refit Emilia, Part II
Every project begins with inspiration: A desired vision for a space, a predominant color, a piece of art, an associated emotion… most clients have a general idea of what they like and want to incorporate into their project prior to embarking on their design journey. What happens during the journey, however, is so exciting – as the original vision begins to unfold and weave itself into a tangible, livable space. In the case of the refit of the Westport 112′ yacht Emilia, the unfolding of the original design inspiration has been magical.
Inspiration
At the early stage of the project, the owners knew that they wanted to incorporate elements representing the family’s Japanese and Italian heritage into the design. We began with some Japanese tapestries and a sentimental Kimono robe that would be on display in the lower foyer as the first phase. The base of the design was an Italian Mid Century Modern aesthetic and the owners wanted to be especially mindful of environmental sustainability throughout this refit. As the project got underway, we gradually added more Japanese influences into the design, and suddenly everything began weaving together seamlessly – geometric patterns found in the owners’ inspirational pieces showed up in selected fabrics and tiles, and the colors and materials began to shape into a perfectly beautiful design.
Eco-Conscious Priority
To say that the owners have a passion for eco-conscious design is an understatement. Exhaustive research has been poured into every area of the yacht to make it as environmentally-friendly as possible. We’re incorporating a reverse osmosis system for all of the water onboard and are currently researching the type of bottles that can be used for drinking water. Glass bottles require a certain chemical to clean; aluminum has a plastic lining that wears down after multiple uses… to be 100% environmentally conscious is no easy task! Yet these owners are up for the challenge and are incorporating eco-conscious solutions that I have never heard of any owner doing before. This has resulted in an incredibly extensive refit that includes attention to noise and vibration mitigation as well.
Main Salon
Replacing the A/C system is not unusual for a yacht refit. However, replacing the A/C system and creating a baffling system for noise reduction is! This baffling system acts like a maze that slows down and absorbs the sound waves as they move through it, so when the air and sound reaches its destination, there is no noise. Incorporating this new system and new insulation meant that in some areas we had to do a lot of design work to the cabinetry and soffits. The owner got very sophisticated with the type of supplies and returns we are doing and we had to incorporate space in various cabinetry and soffits to incorporate the new units and insulation. In addition, we raised the ceiling in the salon by nearly six inches and created new soffit designs. We also redesigned the window frames and mullions, which will have a textured wallpaper inset. In the original build, the forward companionway wall was angled, so we opened it up and straightened it as much as we could.
Designed with Crew in Mind
Emilia will be a private-use boat and the owners have considered the design to comfortably house their crew. The Westport 112′ design positions a guest VIP in the bow, just steps down from the country kitchen-style galley. For this VIP we are incorporating a convertible queen-size bed that separates into two outboard twin beds for the chef and a stewardess to use when the family is onboard. The VIP has been completely gutted and thoroughly insulated for sound reduction.
Guest Areas
Originally we were planning to implement a light, walnut-colored stain throughout the lower deck and main deck guest areas. However, as the design evolved, the owners decided to go with a rich, darker stain. Yet, in keeping with the project’s environmental focus, we opted for a water-based stain that is more eco-friendly than the traditional oil-based stain. There has been a bit of a learning curve in doing so, however our finishers like it so much they are considering changing completely to water-based stains! The stairwell to the lower foyer will have a Mid Century modern design, with wood slats atop a wallpaper backdrop and strips of LED lighting in between. The queen and twin stateroom headboards each have their own unique designs as well, the twin with a textured linen wall covering backdrop and the queen with diagonal wood slats over a linen wall covering. In both staterooms, we added shelving within the outboard walls and throughout the guest spaces we added Soundown insulation for additional noise and vibration control.
Exterior
The owners plan to spend a lot of time on the flybridge and plan to entertain and host business functions in this space as well. We are expanding this space by transforming the bar into a walk-up bar with a fridge, sink and a lift-up television. We also reshaped the settee and eliminated the Jacuzzi – although we designed it so that a Jacuzzi can easily be re-installed for resale. We are also installing an enclosure under the radar arch to close off the upper level of the flybridge when desired.
There is so much going on with this exciting and extensive refit underway at Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center, but I will save those updates for our next news post, so stay tuned for our next project update!
For more on refits of all types, be sure to check out our blog posts Yacht Interior Designers Guide: To Refit Or Not To Refit Part 1 & Part 2. Be sure to come back and check in on our News Page for more progress on the on the refit of the 112′ Westport Yacht Emilia and other news and project updates!
