Dunes
Inspired by nature, designed by Feadship
It takes an extraordinary design team to blend cutting-edge technology with sinuous forms. The unique structure of Feadship supports an inhouse creative think tank called Studio De Voogt. Together with the Knowledge & Innovation department, they are a true “imaginarium”; design topics, materials, and global trends are considered against the backdrop of the natural world and multi-cultural influences.
IMAGINING TOMORROW’S SUPERYACHTS TODAY
Almost every year since 2006, we have forecast the future with an exciting Feadship Concept yacht. While none of the concept yachts have ever touched the water as a complete entity, individual elements are often integrated into Feadship’s full-custom projects.
Such explorations into the what-ifs have led to new finishes, using glass as a structural element, and new propulsion systems – the 83.50-metre Savannah is just such a beneficiary of concept designs. They spark discussion and provide inspiration for the future direction of superyachts.
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS...
For the 2023 Concept Design, Studio De Voogt pondered crucial questions: How to enhance interior-exterior flow, challenge static yacht layouts, and conserve energy for a Net Zero impact? A Feadship Concept Design isn’t about shapes; it’s about advancing yachting’s adventure story with fresh eyes. Their metaphor: timeless Dunes, where land, sea, and sky meet in asymmetrical beauty. Can a yacht capture dune asymmetry from above? Imagine spaces flowing like dune valleys, breaking yacht layout monotony. Why not feature shady porches and cascading patios with natural materials? Studio De Voogt’s journey began with envisioning a seagoing lifestyle driven by clean tech, minimal planet impact. Natural materials harmonized with sand, sea, and sky, creating endless vistas, walkways, and intimate spaces. Next-gen solutions, like a hidden command center and biomimetic ventilation shaped Dunes, our 2023 dream yacht with responsible tech.
IMAGINARIUM A PLACE DEVOTED TO STIMULATING AND CULTIVATING THE IMAGINATION
Broad overhangs creating shade need not make a large yacht look like a block of flats. Studio De Voogt found inspiration in the undulations of natural dunes and created shaded side decks perfect for a leisurely promenade.
Technical Specifications
Main particulars
Steel hull and aluminium/ wood superstructure
PROPULSION
2x 1,000 kW @ 40 rpm
ACCOMMODATION
Galley on main deck.
Storage rooms on lower deck.
Laundry, crew mess and crew lounge on tank deck.
OASES WITHIN AN OASIS
Just like a desert oasis or a tide pool on a beach, surprises are delightful experiences. Following the idea of organic shapes, the designers of the 2023 Feadship Concept Design have scattered three pools (and a bow seating sunken in the deck) to provide intimate spaces for private relaxation.
DUNES: INSPIRED BY NATURE, DESIGNED BY FEADSHIP
COLD CORE: A HOT IDEA THAT’S TOTALLY COOL
Like a desert house, the interior of Dunes is divided into temperature zones. Sleeping quarters are cool (19-20°C), social areas 22-23°C, and the upper deck pavilion has a 24-25°C temperature. The heating system can also maintain 21°C throughout.
The pavilion is passively cooled using excess chilled air from other parts of the ship below. The rotating mast aligns with the wind direction, creating a low pressure zone, naturally pulling air from the yacht.
With the large overhangs, air quality control, and insulation, we expect a 35% annual HVAC energy reduction.
Deck plans
Mast
Owners deck
Pavillion deck
Main deck
Lower deck
Tank deck
BEAT THE HEAT
Part of the allure of cruising on a superyacht is the experience of seeing from horizon to horizon and sea to sky. In the last decade, Feadship has made great strides working with the world’s top glass makers to deliver optically pure curved glass windows. But standing next to a full-height window when the sun is shining on it can be a toasty experience. Soon the crew are closing the thermal drapes to manage the “heat load” on the HVAC system. Without thoughtful design, the options are darkly tinted or mirrored glass, which alters the way colours look inside, or layers of blinds or curtains... and there goes the view... unless you design for it. The importance of good overhangs cannot be over- emphasized. Keeping superstructure walls and the windows out of direct sunlight is essential to reduce the heat entering the yacht and the energy needed to compensate with air conditioning.
AND THE WIND IS FREE!
Owners of small sailing yachts have used wind vanes to charge their batteries for decades, these simple contraptions humming up a charge for owners enjoying time on the hook and off the grid.
The wind, as they say, is free, and so is the battery power generated by an optional wind turbine. Feadship engineers devised a slim, two-blade vane that nearly disappears in the mast structure. Just take a look at these calculations based on long-term weather data available from the Feadship fleet. At the mean wind speed of 4 metres/ second, the turbine yields about 25 MWh per year (at anchor use only), which equals the yield of 90 m2 of high-efficiency solar panels.
THE NEW LOOK OF LUXURY
Teak, once revered for yachts, faces scarcity, soaring prices, and environmental concerns. An international treaty bans its import, forcing a responsible shift.
Feadship introduces two new luxury decking systems on Dunes. Maple islands around furniture provide a sustainable, teak-like option. Other decks sparkle with eco-friendly resin embedded with tiny glass or stone chips.
The results are stunning. Resin surfaces on Dunes flow seamlessly without plank limitations. Unlike teak, they require no harsh cleaning, annual sanding, or replacement every 15 years. A sustainable, practical choice for the future.
The monochromatic colour scheme uniting the deck and overhead materials is designed to emphasise relaxation.
