lujac desautel references the gherkin by norman foster to design 80 meter superyacht

new york city-based designer lujac desautel has imagined a 80 meter long superyacht inspired by the diagrid structures found in architecture, such as the gherkin in london by norman foster. titled ‘axiom’, the design employs diagonal steel beams as an alternative to typical ship hull construction. by utilizing this framework, the project aims to reduce material, weight, running costs and space efficiency by up to 30%.

the 80-meter long steel superstructure of axiom

all images courtesy of lujac desautel

traditionally, ships are constructed using a series of rib frames that are distributed along the length of a hull. as opposed to this method, lujac desautel’s design of axiom introduces the diagrid as an alternative to the typical hull rib structure. the diagonal steel beams span 80 meters by connecting the hull and decks as one cohesive structural element working in tension and compression, theoretically reducing material by up to 30 percent.

the custom day tender integrates the diagrid superstructure, a general use tender for everyday activities

the diagrid eliminates the need for interior structural columns by creating large open interior spaces for uninterrupted views of the sea and living spaces. although not typically used in shipbuilding, desautel has selected this structural method in an effort to offer yacht owners better efficiency of material and reduced construction time and energy consumption. in essence, axiom intends to spark conversation about alternative methods of yacht design and construction by combining architecture, infrastructure, art, and transportation design.

the custom limousine tender with a dry interior space to transport guest privately and comfortably to and from the yacht

aerial view of the asymmetric superstructure decks that allow natural light to penetrate deep into the interiors

scale foam study models

hand illustrated plan and elevation

the diagrid concept inspired by architecture and mathematics

project info:

project name: axiom

design: lujac desautel

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom