zaha hadid architects designs electric 'oneiric' catamaran for rossinavi

a new era of sustainable yachting by zaha hadid architects

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) teams up with Italian yacht builder Rossinavi to conceptualize the newly unveiled electric Oneiric catamaran. Defined by its sculptural, fluid forms and driven by green-technology, the massive aluminum catamaran features three levels of solar panels to allow for fully electric navigation and an AI-driven control center to manage energy consumption and track battery status in an effort to reduce environmental impact. With its futuristic concept, the team hopes to establish a ‘new era of sustainable yachting’ which prioritizes the health of the ocean.

images courtesy Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)

the catamaran’s electric capabilities

The team at Zaha Hadid Architects (see here) and Rossinavi (see here) design the Oneiric as a ‘green-technology flagship.’ Three levels of solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the design to charge a highly efficient battery pack. On a day trip, Oneiric can cruise up to 100% of the time in full-electric mode with zero emissions. On transatlantic crossings, the yacht can cruise in full-electric mode up to 70% of the time, saving approximately 40 tonnes of CO2 (40,000 kilograms) compared to a conventional vessel. The solar panels, continually charging the battery pack during daylight hours, are also designed for the periods when the yacht is not in use and, when moored, it can power a family villa on land.

toward a healthier environment

The multihulls of the catamaran are found to be more energy-efficient than the conventional monohull of a yacht. The team at ZHA explains that this is due to the hulls’ weight distribution and their length-to-width ratio which provides greater hydrodynamic efficiency.

The group continues: ‘This pursuit of environmental sustainability is driven by the desire to conserve the well-being of the ocean’s ecosystems. Rossinavi’s technological innovations and philosophy of sustainability are inspired by phytoplankton, a small marine algae that converts sunlight into energy and provides more than half of the Earth’s annual oxygen production. These billions of microscopic organisms remind us that, working together, we can all contribute to a healthier environment.’

inside the oneiric catamaran

‘The design of Oneiric’s exterior and interior is informed by the fluidity and dynamism of ocean waves. The sinuous lines and reflective surfaces of the yacht’s exterior are continued throughout the interior, blurring the boundaries between ship and sea. The main deck cockpit is composed of a patio with walls and ceiling which are slightly curved to create a continuity that significantly opens the views to the water. Going down the stairs to the swim platforms, the area widens further, shedding the walls and ceiling to give a direct connection with the sea.

‘Multiple interior and outdoor lounging and dining areas, as well as media room with entertainment technologies, are integrated into the design together with a large owner’s suite and four guest cabins. The size of these areas is exceptional: the master bedroom enjoys a 180-degree view with a composition of skylights that allow light to filter in from above. The yacht’s interior spaces interconnect, a feature that makes the design unique. The owner’s suite provides access to the forward outdoor lounge area, which can be shaded by retractable structures.’

‘The visual and tactile characteristics of the materials within these spaces were selected and arranged to define an immersive environment that accentuates the fluidity of the design. The consideration of weight is crucial to all yacht design and for Oneiric the lightweight interior materials — many of which are recycled and recyclable — were chosen for energy efficiency and optimal performance.

‘The serenity on board is visual as well as auditory. Oneiric’s full-electric mode is capable of silent operations. In addition, the yacht benefits from the effects of Rossinavi Zero Noise technology that isolates all noise on board from the original source. This innovation has been installed on board all Rossinavi yachts for several years. With sound reduction already high, on this electric boat the sound isolation will be even more efficient.’

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project info:

project title: Oneiric Catamaran

designer: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) | @zahahadidarchitects

client: Rossinavi | @rossinavi

overall length: 44.00 meters (144′ 4″)
gross tonnage: < 500 gt
guests: 2 + 8
guest cabins: 1 + 4
crew members: 1 + 6
crew cabins: 1 + 3
hull & superstructure material: aluminium