Interview about Kai Smart Hybrid Motoryacht, winner of the A' Yacht and Marine Vessels Design Award 2024
Kai means ocean in Hawaiian language. She provides privacy on enclosed owner deck with 180 degree panoramic master suite with an office lounge opens up onto 150m2 private deck. This area also provides an open-air cinema and golf practice amenities. Her achromatic tones give her an elegance that is enhanced by submarine anchoring system and hideaway mooring platforms. 4 luminous VIP guest cabins are located on main deck and underwater observatory lounge on lower deck. She boasts 125m2 extending beach club at aft with saltwater pool that also doubles as a lifting platform for her 13m tender.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsProject KAI's smart hybrid system is designed to provide the transition between different propulsion modes, allowing the yacht to optimize energy efficiency and environmental impact. With a combination of diesel-electric propulsion and a 673kWh battery pack, the yacht can operate in zero-emission mode at 5.5 knots, enabling silent cruising in protected marine areas. This innovation transforms traditional yachting by reducing fuel consumption, minimizing noise pollution, and offering a more serene experience for owners and guests. The ability to switch between hybrid and full-electric modes ensures adaptability for various cruising conditions, setting a new standard for sustainable luxury.
The inspiration behind the enclosed owner deck was to offer a high degree of privacy and exclusivity, a key consideration for modern yacht owners. By creating a dedicated owner’s private deck, we ensured that no crew members or guests need to pass through this space, allowing for complete journey including the mooring manoeuvering. The 180-degree panoramic master suite not only offers breathtaking views but also fosters a deeper connection with the nature and the sea, reinforcing the essence of luxury yachting. The suite is complemented by a private lounge and office, a spacious deck, and unique lifestyle amenities, making it a personal sanctuary within the yacht.
The idea for the underwater observatory lounge stemmed from our desire to offer a truly immersive experience with the ocean. Unlike traditional viewing spaces, this lounge allows guests to observe marine life in its natural habitat without disruption. Designed as a tranquil escape, it features large glass panels engineered for optimal visibility and structural integrity. Integrating this feature seamlessly into the yacht’s hull was a challenge, requiring careful coordination between design and engineering to maintain stability and hydrodynamic performance. This space embodies Project KAI’s philosophy of blending luxury with an authentic connection to nature.
Accommodating a large battery pack required strategic weight distribution to maintain optimal stability and performance. Our engineering team worked extensively on the yacht’s hull design to ensure proper balance, preventing any negative impact on seakeeping abilities. To address temperature management, we integrated an advanced liquid cooling system that regulates battery temperatures and maximizes efficiency. This system not only prolongs battery life but also enhances safety. The integration of thermal insulation materials and a dedicated ventilation system further ensures optimal performance in varying climate conditions.
The beach club concept evolved from a desire to maximize onboard leisure space while maintaining a streamlined exterior profile. Initially conceived as a simple lounging area, it developed into a multifunctional space with foldable bulwarks, allowing for smooth expansion. The centerpiece, a 4.8x2.4m seawater pool, was designed to function as both a swimming area and a lifting platform for a 13m tender. This adaptability enhances onboard usability, making the space equally suited for relaxation, water sports, and tender operations, demonstrating our approach to functional luxury.
The decision to use achromatic tones was driven by a desire to create a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic. By harmonizing the hull, portholes, and superstructure in subtle variations of the same color, we achieved a smooth and sculptural appearance. The hideaway mooring platforms, on the other hand, were a technical innovation aimed at preserving the yacht’s clean lines. By concealing these functional elements, we eliminated visual clutter while improving docking efficiency, ensuring that both form and function were perfectly balanced.
This capability represents our commitment to shaping the future of luxury yachting through sustainability. By allowing silent, zero-emission cruising in environmentally sensitive areas, Project KAI sets a precedent for future yacht designs. We believe that eco-conscious yachting should not come at the expense of comfort or performance, and this innovation proves that sustainability and luxury can coexist. Looking ahead, we aim to push these boundaries even further, integrating next-generation energy solutions into future designs.
Our approach to yacht design goes beyond aesthetics and performance; it’s about crafting a personalized experience for the owner. The inclusion of golf practice amenities and an open-air cinema was inspired by the owner’s desire for leisure and entertainment within their private space. The golf feature allows for on-water practice with biodegradxable balls, while the open-air cinema transforms the deck into an exclusive outdoor entertainment venue. These elements reflect our focus on designing spaces that enhance the onboard lifestyle, catering to individual passions and preferences.
One of the key challenges in yacht operations is managing tenders during long voyages. Instead of towing a tender in the water, which increases drag and fuel consumption, we designed a descending aft deck that functions as a lifting platform. This system allows the yacht to securely transport a 13m tender without compromising deck space. The KAI Limousine Tender, designed with the same soul and design philosophy as Project KAI, can also be carried on this lifting platform, ensuring both practicality and aesthetic harmony. This feature enhances the yacht’s autonomy and operational flexibility, particularly for extended cruising.
Winning the Platinum A’ Design Award proves our belief that innovation and sustainability can drive the future of yachting. Project KAI serves as a benchmark for integrating smart hybrid propulsion, multifunctional spaces, and advanced energy solutions in superyachts. We hope this project inspires the industry to embrace forward-thinking design principles, encouraging shipyards and owners to invest in more sustainable, high-performance vessels. Looking ahead, we aim to further explore zero-emission technologies and intelligent design solutions that redefine what’s possible in yacht design.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
