mazu's 82ft yacht combines an angular profile with cozy, home-like interiors

turkish designer, tanju özelgin, has collaborated with mazu yachts to create the exquisite interior of the shipbuilder’s 82ft model. designed to complement the lightweight carbon composite body, özelgin has optimized the generous volume and large hull windows, combining subtle textures and muted colors with natural light to create a sense of understated elegance.

all images courtesy of mazu yachts

özelgin‘s interior design goes hand in hand with the angular styling of the mazu 82, which was designed in-house by the shipyard’s founder, halit yukay. ‘the interior and the exterior should never be defined as two different aspects but should be seen as a whole as one is the extension of the other,’ says yukay. ‘both should create a coherent unity and reflect the main mood and feelings the designer intended.’ the exterior profile of the 82-footer is characterized by the flush main deck with no steps and the angular lines of the all-glass deckhouse. 

on special request of the owner, mazu modified the aft deck design to include terraced steps leading down to the swim platform. these steps function as built-in furniture so guests can sit or even lie down while still conversing with other guests. ‘multifunctional design was very important for the owner,’ continues yukay. ‘in fact, the open foredeck has three different uses: as a sunbathing area, a dining area for 12 people, and a screen can be set up to turn it into an open-air cinema.’

‘the main challenge with yacht interiors is that the space mostly never stands still and is constantly surrounded by water,’ says özelgin, who aimed to create an onboard ambience more in tune with land-based architecture. ‘this aspect will direct your decisions regarding which materials to use, the weight and scale of every piece of furniture, and whether or not the furniture is anchored to the decks or built-in.’

a major challenge for all yacht designers and builders is to draw in as much natural light as possible into the interior. in this regard, the mazu 82 boasts very large deckhouse windows and strip glazing in the hull. in particular, the sliding sunroof, custom-made by OPAC in italy, and 9-sqm windshield of ultra-clear laminated and tempered glass, lend the interior an airy, loft-like feel.

‘the space has to be as compact and light as possible without losing the illusion of feeling at home or in a cozy hotel,’ says the interior designer. ‘this was one of our key aspects during the design phase of the yacht: to create a space that feels more as if you were in your own house with all the familiarity and comfort that comes with it.’

artificial illumination is just as important as natural light and has to be both functional and atmospheric. for this reason, a bespoke lighting system was developed for the mazu 82. ‘lighting is an important tool for the designer to create an atmosphere and mood, which further improves the design of the space,’ says özelgin. ‘it is an extension of the feelings the designer wants to express and should always be considered as an reflection of the overall design.’

to create a chic yet warm and inviting feeling, walnut and leather has been used for the furniture – exclusively built by mazu – while the walls are decorated with metallic finishes and teak panelling that has been textured and stained grey. the textiles and carpets were specially designed for the boat, as were the doors made of bronzed tempered glass and the stainless steel hardware that has been treated using thin-film deposit (PVD) techniques in the same bronze hue. ‘the chosen materials are as light as possible and the textures give a sense of spaciousness with a touch of warmth’, says özelgin.

the yacht is fitted with a state-of-the-art audio system (JL audio for the exterior and dali for the interior), which meant that close attention was paid to noise dampening. leather and alcantara cladding and upholstery throughout help to mute unwanted sound. the wet surfaces are of a special synthetic material that has a soft leather-like finish, while the bathroom faucets and accessories are by luxury hardware brand gessi. the high-end galley equipment was supplied by gaggenau.

yacht info:

yacht name: mazu 82

design: halit yukay, tanju özelgin

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edited by: lynne myers | designboom