Matthew Esposito
03/01/2008
It is probably safe to say that more than half the enjoyment guests and owners take from a yacht cruise comes from time spent outdoors. Every level on a contemporary yacht offers some escape to the elements. Given that most cruising destinations are warm, sunny and in coveted locales, this approach is a smart move. From the swim platform-cum-beach club to the dine-in Portuguese bridge and purpose-designed sun deck above, yachting is all about the outdoors and, by default, the vessel’s exterior decks.
This, of course, is not news. What is exciting, like so many
other facets of the yacht design/build process, is that the design and
decoration of these spaces is becoming more intuitive and, frankly, better
looking. Loose furniture abounds, taking the place of built-ins, and larger
yachts now feature a number of water-centric elements that are dually designed
for functionality and aesthetic enhancement (witness the spectacular transom
aboard the Oceanco Alfa Nero).
Dedon’s Yin Yang and Obelisk collections. Photographs by Christophe Dugied/Courtesy of Dedon Worldwide. (Click images to enlarge); function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
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The exterior decks of modern yachts now are being designed for
living, and these outdoor living spaces are getting just as much attention as
their luxurious indoor counterparts. Companies such as Dedon, Kettal, Summit and
Giati are providing the building blocks for sound outdoor design, and backing
them up are fabric houses like SeaCloth, offering fresh patterns and
weather-resistant construction.
Founded 18 years ago by award-winning designer Mark Singer,
Giati Designs Inc. offers a wonderful range of outdoor furniture and fabrics
including chaise lounges, sofas, dining chairs, tables and market umbrellas.
Products are available in either plantation-grown (read eco-friendly,
sustainable) teak or die-cast, pure aluminum alloy.
Top: A chaise lounge from Giati’s Fifty-Five collection. Bottom: A dining chair from Giati’s Fifty-Five collection. (Click images to enlarge); function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
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Singer’s design work has been represented in a number of
renowned museums, among them the museums of modern art in New York and San
Francisco, as well as the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. His high level of
aesthetic acumen is witnessed throughout the line in styles ranging from
traditional to contemporary. Favorites include his splendid, oversize umbrellas,
dramatic dining pavilions, varied chaise lounges in teak or aluminum, and his
Castillo and Palazzio collections for traditional comfort. Additionally, the
Fifty-Five collection provides a sleek, modern look for yachts of that flavor.
The exterior decks of Westport Shipyard’s newest launches, the
restyled 130 and the 164, were outfitted with pieces from Summit Furniture, and
the results are impressive. Summit got its start in 1979 and often collaborates
with American and European designers for the company’s handcrafted teak
furniture offered for contract, residential and marine environments. Some of its
most inspired designs are seen in the sofa and dining table and chairs
selections. Chaise lounges, ottomans and side tables are also of note.
SeaCloth’s fabrics include these lively lines made for the outdoors. (Click images to enlarge); function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
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Dedon and Kettal come from European roots, as evidenced by
their highly stylized creations found frequently on the pages of international
design journals. While Giati counts the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Jumby Bay in
Antigua among its clients, Dedon is the superstar of the French
Riviera. Its
unique designs are often seen on the terraces of celebrity villas, as well as at
the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, where its iPod-compatible cocoons rent for around
200 euros per day. With so much to offer, the spectacular collection must be
viewed in its entirety online. Among the company’s top lines are the Orbit, Yin
Yang, Leaf and Obelisk. These signature pieces truly blur the line between
sculpture and furniture.
Headquarters for Kettal is just outside Barcelona, though the
more than 40-year-old company has showrooms in Cannes, Miami, Munich, Marbella
and Hong Kong. The sumptuous Venezia and Xxl collections will turn any outdoor
venue into an ultra-chic alfresco lounge, though clients should allot space for
the pieces’ generous proportions.
Kettal’s chair and ottoman and stylish daybed will provide guests hours of
comfort in the sun or shade. (Click images to enlarge); function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
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While most companies offer their own fabrics to cover their
pieces, certain clients may want a more personal look with patterns of their
choosing. For these discerning few, Connecticut-based SeaCloth is a bright
alternative. With names that say it all, the company’s Sun Splash and Beach
Party collections are made to endure environments that are as hot and as vibrant
as their patterns. SeaCloth products first splashed at boutique design
showrooms such as John Rosselli & Associates and Ainsworth Noah.
Contacts: Dedon, www.dedon.de; Giati, www.giati.com; Kettal, www.kettal.es; SeaCloth, www.seacloth.com; Summit, www.summitfurniture.com.