Italian designer Cristiano Gatto has created an elegant yet cosy ambience on the superyacht Project Orion. In an exclusive interview, the designer provides an insight into his work.
The Italian designer Cristiano Gatto used more than 37 different materials – such as high-gloss woods, woven leather, marble and custom-made carpets – to create a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere for Project Orion. The 50-metre superyacht Orion is part of Heesen Yachts’ advanced 50-metre FDHF aluminium series, known for its hybrid propulsion technology and quiet cruising.
How has your artistic training at the Accademia di Venezia influenced your approach to yacht design?
My design philosophy is strongly influenced by the experiences I gained during my time at the Academy. Over the years, I have come to realise that yacht design is essentially a continuous marriage of aesthetics and functionality. My studies in Venice taught me how to structure conceptual projects and put them into practice. Our job is to create a harmonious balance between beauty and practicality.
What inspired you when designing the interior of Project Orion and how did you implement your vision?
With semi-custom projects like Project Orion, it is crucial to create a vessel that reflects the personality of the owner. Although the yacht is based on the proven technical platform of its predecessors, we have given it a unique exterior that clearly sets it apart from previous yachts. Project Orion demonstrates that it is possible to combine speculatively built yachts with individual design, refined style and attention to detail. Heesen produces the interiors in-house, which allows us to closely monitor the production of all wooden elements. This project is an excellent example of the synergy between my design studio and the shipyard, and the successful combination of materials and craftsmanship to achieve a sophisticated result.
What special materials and techniques did you use in the design of Project Orion to combine luxury and comfort?
Project Orion marks the next step in the development of my collaboration with Heesen. With each yacht design, I reflect on our previous work and consider how we can implement it with a new, more deliberate approach. For the design of the yacht, I sought to create strong contrasts by combining earthy colours with dark floors, beige tones and wooden panelling to incorporate a natural element. Ebony steel inserts were used to mirror the structure of the vessel. In addition, I combined architectural elements with leather details to create a sophisticated atmosphere with an elegant and natural aesthetic.
How do you think yacht design has changed over the years and what trends do you see for the future?
In the wake of the pandemic, there has been an increased demand for more immersive contact with the sea. To meet this need, we have enlarged the windows and added additional openings such as hatches and beach clubs (editor’s note: specially designed areas on board that mimic the ambience and amenities of a luxury beach resort). We have also developed technology for the production of structural glass. I am convinced that the ongoing trend is towards strengthening the connection between people and water, and that a yacht should be a place where time stands still. It is our job to assure owners that this is possible on their yacht.
What role do sustainability and technological innovation play in your current projects, in particular Project Orion?
The largest cost factor in building a yacht is labour – the well-being of those who build yachts is an essential aspect of the sustainability of the yacht itself. At the Heesen shipyard in Oss, the working environment is carefully managed to maximise sustainability and ensure that employees are well cared for. We place a great deal of emphasis on carefully selecting and researching raw materials to ensure their traceability and sustainability. For example, the wood we use for the production of components and furniture on board comes from recycled material or sustainable forestry, not from deforestation. This is particularly important for a yacht like Project Orion, which is equipped with Heesen’s hybrid propulsion system.
How do you work with your clients to ensure that the design of their yacht reflects their personal desires and needs?
One of the biggest challenges with projects like Orion is finding the right balance between customisation and existing structures. The advantage of building semi-custom yachts is creating a design that can be easily adapted. Once the yacht has been purchased, meetings with the owners are essential. These help us to get to know their preferences and show them how existing plans can be customised. It is important that clients understand that such projects are highly customisable and that they are not simply buying a ready-made yacht from a catalogue.
Is there a particular detail or element of Project Orion’s interior that you are particularly proud of?
The first thing that comes to mind is the design of the wall in the main saloon. I decided on an asymmetrical design and created ebony and steel doors with contrasting 45-degree grain. To soften the asymmetry, I placed mirror elements on the sides of the walls. I wanted to emphasise the centre by using panels, behind which are cabinets with doors in different sizes. I am particularly proud of the bar, which has a three-dimensional design combining prisms and pyramids with rounded shapes.
How do you manage to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality in your designs, especially for a project like Orion?
For projects like Orion, it is crucial that aesthetics and functionality go hand in hand. The basis of our work is the continuous search for the optimal balance between forms and materials. Our skill lies in turning ideas into reality through extensive research. Design must not neglect comfort and functionality. I try to ensure that every plan I design is communicated as clearly as possible to the craftsperson, so that they have no difficulties in implementing it.
Info box: Cristiano Gatto
Cristiano Gatto sees himself as the creative heart of a close-knit team of professionals:“Yacht design is at the centre of my work, but thanks to my experience as a sculptor, I approach each project like a sculpture. I have the big picture in mind and work it out in minute detail.” The philosophy of Cristiano Gatto Design is based on the idea that beauty promotes well-being and inspires positive thoughts and attitudes. The aim is to create customised projects that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements and satisfy the wishes of the customer in an artistic and emotional way, without committing to a particular style.
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