The Art Deco design style made waves in the early-20th century, and some may argue that its era is long gone, but the aesthetic lives on and continues to inspire design snobs and regular folks alike. Crafted by the French to represent elegance, sophistication, and wealth, this style was also associated with modern technologies and bold visions of the future.
The spirit of innovation still remained through the years, and when we look at Art Deco today, we associate it with the future. Over the decades, this distinctive design style has had a far-reaching influence across different domains like interior decor, architecture, automobiles, and more. Art Deco features like aerodynamic curves, stylized geometric patterns, and bold metallic colors have also been successfully applied to shipbuilding. The latest superyacht design with Art Deco influences is the Steamer 888.
Coming from the drawing boards of Christian Leyk of London-based studio Coquine Design, Steamer 888 is just a concept for the time being, but it perfectly illustrates how well the design style's strong colors, layered shapes, and rectilinear geometry translate to yachting.
Christian Leyk is an experienced yacht designer who focuses on creating concepts that reflect the owner's individuality. He started out in the studio of Evan Marshall, a renowned name in the industry for his solid exterior styling and innovative interior solutions. Leyk then worked as a lead designer for Ken Freivokh, another rock-star yacht designer, and then formed his own studio named Coquine Design.
Photo: Coquine Design
The impressive Steamer 888 superyacht concept was Leyk's first project of 2023 and was developed in collaboration with France-based design studio Silvia Iraghi, which took care of the interior design. The renderings for the 289-foot (88-meter) long superyacht show a nautical beauty with detailed Art Deco styling from bow to stern.
The idea for the design came from a crazy question: "What would it look like if you turn the Chrysler Building horizontally and put it on the water?" Taking inspiration from the Art Deco skyscraper on the East Side of Manhattan in New York City, Steamer 888 is envisioned with a sleek, fairly narrow fast displacement hull for efficient long-distance cruising.
The exterior profile displays long sweeping lines from bow to stern, contributing to the watercraft's elegance and gracious presence on the water.
The designer laughs that the yacht is "A mix between the Henry Dreyfuss designed 'New York Central Hudson 4-6-4' steam train, the Lockheed Super Constellation, and a chromed Dualite toaster." But at a close inspection, we can see where he's coming from.
Photo: Coquine Design
Firstly, Steamer 888's name is inspired by the steam trains of the 1930s. Then, different design elements, like the chrome "radiator” on the front of the sundeck cocktail bar and the curving chrome handrail on the floating staircase, are a clear reference to trains, specifically the New York Central Hudson 4-6-4 steam locomotive.
The Art Deco design language can also be recognized in the technical storage box underneath the mast, which has the shape of a 1950s classic Dualite toaster and even comes with air ribs for ventilation.
Another noteworthy design element with Art Deco influences is the swimming pool on the main deck aft, which has raised walls and is covered in white geometrically-shaped ceramic tiles, complemented by a mosaiced floor.
All these elements might give the vessel a vintage look, but the designers packed it with modern amenities. Glass balustrades and extensive glazing throughout allow a deep connection with the sea, a frosted glass floor on the sundeck shines light on the deck below, and a generous beach club encourages complete relaxation after working out in the adjacent gym.
Photo: Coquine Design
According to the designer, the open-air areas across the three decks can be customized based on the prospective owner's preferences, and there is space for a jacuzzi, beach club, tender garage, and even a touch-and-go helipad.
Though the yacht measures 289 feet (88 meters) in length, it offers a volume similar to a 190-foot to 230-foot (60-meter to 70-meter) vessel. Nonetheless, the designer promises there are no space restrictions on the interior, and there should be enough space for everything a discerning owner could ask for, including a spacious main salon, a second lounge, an owner's master suite, and cabins for up to eight guests.
For the interiors of Steamer 888, designer Silvia Iraghi chose to accentuate the Art Deco theme. In fact, it's a modern reinterpretation of the Art Deco style through the use of rounded furniture and soft shapes, which create a luxurious ambiance. Moreover, the interior spaces seamlessly connect with each other, giving a sense of fluidity and openness.
The floors are designed with alternating marble and wood panels, creating some sort of intricate line art, while the ceilings are made from individual panels of backlit resin with a draped effect.
We don't know if the Steamer 888 would ever be turned into a real-world superyacht, but the designer says it might even come with a matching tender, something made of polished aluminum and powered by a repurposed aircraft engine.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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