Is Architecture Cold? (Part 2)

 Too much theory can be such a curse. Originally the post about architecture was supposed to introduce another coquine![design] project called 'Ice Fairy'. Which would imply that indeed the inspiration taken from contemporary architecture would turn a yacht into a snow queen. Worse even, when the designer envisions polished aluminium, naked concrete and the unavoidable stretch of glass being the main theme for the interior...

But one thought at a time: The exterior of this mid size motor yacht (actually, the design would work nicely anywhere between 55 and 88 metres) was clearly inspired by the works of spanish star architect Santiago Calatrava. The general idea was to find a shape that allowed us to break with the traditional 'layer cake', dictated by the need to create decks to define living spaces. Obviously, we cannot avoid floors and we cannot avoid ceilings as a result of the next floor up. Raising those ceilings in order to gain more 'living volume' usually has a rather unflattering effect on the exterior, so we had to find something different.

The deckhouse structure of 'Ice Fairy' allowed us to rethink interior volumes, giving it a new vertical dimension. The exposed metal backbone makes the glass surfaces much more managable and therefore allows a level of light flooding the interior that hasn't been seen before.

We then went on to maximise the impact this new approach would have on the interior, as it seemed wrong to come up with something so different on the outside while doing 'same old' on the inside. And in the end, with a bit of wood and leather in the right places, concrete can be quite cozy actually!

The Tomahawk - Speed Is Sexy

Yachting, re-defined: The Concept of the Tomahawk-128

8 o’ clock, somewhere in the Mediterranean. Sunshine reflecting on the water and the invigorating scent of the sea. A good shower and you’re ready for action. And while you enjoyed your breakfast, your captain had been warming up the engines. It’s time to go...
By lunchtime you’ll reach Saint Tropez. But now, you’re in control of 2 awesome gas turbines and one of the most thrilling machines one can think of. A 128ft racing catamaran, basically. You focus on the direction, your captain is your throttleman today and the sea flies by at almost 70 knots. Most certainly, the Tomahawk-128 is not everybody’s boat. It takes style and vision to own her and it takes a strong will to push her to the limit.

The Tomahawk-128 concept should be seen as an alternative to the traditional open powerboat based on those re-defined priorities of those who are more demanding than the rest of us. Choosing a lightweight catamaran hull very similar to to the offshore racing boats, using asymmetrical hulls, vertical tunnel walls and a deep V certainly ensures high top speeds, but it also allows for fast cruising. In combination with a modern surface drive system fuel efficiency is excellent, thus enabling the boat to cover long distances in less time without the need of carrying large amounts of fuel. As the boat uses the air cushion between the hulls for planing, its bow sections are designed to cut the water more gently, making the Tomahawk-128 a surprisingly comfortable yacht at low speeds. Needless to say, with a draught of just 1.1 meter, shallow bays look much more inviting...

Is Architecture Really Cold?

Obviously, this is not really a serious question. Sometimes we actually do think so, because of the use of all that glass, steel and concrete. And actually, we do find those clod cathedrals of modern architecture strangely attractive. We do like those breathtaking staircases that float freely, defying all gravity, in the middle of a large and otherwise empty concrete hall. And we love the way the sun falls in through those skylights high above, bathing the bare walls in an almost surreal light.

We hardly ever ask ourselves if we actually would like to live in such a place. Maybe we don't because it's so far out of our budget that we don't need to think about it. We can lean back and just admire the purity of the design. Our own places will never look as good, because we live there. But how about, just for the moment, we try to imagine how it would be if we could move in?

Would we give that stunning out-of-this-world residence overlooking the sea (including a private beach and a drive way long enough so we won't even see the neighbours) our own touch, filling it up not with expensive artwork but with bits and pieces that we accumulated over the years?

Or would be leave it empty, store all our belongings in the garage and walk through our new home as if it would be a museum?

'My personal art collection includes a print of Snoopy & Woodstock, a print of a german artist called Janusch, who's pictures are popular for children (it's a smiling frog) and even a Mordillo puzzle. But all these pieces are telling a story about who I am, so I would not change them for a Damien Hurst, even if I would get paid for it!'

Getting One's Hands Dirty

“Most of my projects, either professional or personal, are somehow rather virtual’ said Christian Leyk of coquine![design].
“Designing a new motor yacht for a client or dreaming how my future house might look like, it all happens in my head or on the computer. Sometimes you just need something to get your hands dirty....”
Restoring his first car after when it became obvious to him that otherwise it would get eaten away by rust was a valuable hands-on experience to the designer. Now he found himself a new challenge: “The Suzuki LJ80 is the perfect staring point. It’s not as ‘serious’ as an old Maserati, Jaguar or even Triumph might be. There is a certain heritage to be found in this little 4x4 which puts a smile on everybody’s face. It’s all fun, especially driving in summer with the roof down and without doors. It is different from the ‘big guys’ like Jeep and Land Rover, too, that’s why it kicked off the off-road car boom in the Eighties.

It became clear to me that this would not be a ‘true to the last bold’ kind of restoration. It’s more like a re-birth: Keeping the balance of modern technology and old character, love-worthy little weaknesses, acceptable modifications and necessary improvements. It’s the re-creation of a modern classic within a reasonable budget, adding the right amount of ‘honest’ nostalgia in order to build a new old Suzuki LJ80.”

While it might sound like another designer’s crazy ideas, it should prove to be a very interesting exercise. “I want to handle this the same way I would handle any professional project, except that I would be designer, project manager and builder at the same time. It’s a bit like a sandbox experiment, which allows me to experience every aspect of the whole project from the creative part to the financial aspects, quality control and organisation. This should become a good model study and I wouldn’t be surprised to gain valuable experience. And, besides, it’s going to be fun!

Playing With Time

It seems like every now and again the designers of coquine![design] venture into uncharted territory. Every now and again the creative folks have to try something new. First of all, because it's fun. Second, because challenges keep the senses sharp. And anyway... why not?

Now, apart from fancy villas and exotic cars, expensive watches, either classical, sporty or modern, are luxury items that are naturally familiar territory for the yacht designer. Not so much in terms of size, shape or detailing, but certainly when it comes to the appreciation of fine craftsmanship or the careful treatment of the finest materials.  Following the philosophy that everything can be designed, it was just a question of time before coquine![design] had to give it a try...

Christian Leyk: " It's the complications that intrigued me, really. The fine balance between sophistication and a balanced overall appearance. It was clear to us that if we would do a watch, it would be one that mirrors our general approach to design. Something that would be timeless - pun intended! - yet also playful and interesting. I like products that are almost zen at first glance but when you look closer you start discovering a whole new world. Products that you would not tire to look at again and again, from every angle, just to discover something new every time.

I appreciate that this is already difficult to achieve on something big as a yacht, where you can walk around, a watch certainly brings this approach to a completely different dimension. Literally!

In a way, one of the reasons why I thought designing a watch would be really something fantastic to do, was because I really believe there is very little in this world that matches the amazing skills of a watchmaker putting so much magic in such a little shell!"

Our first watch concept is not yet ready to be unveiled, but we believe we might be up to something good; if we can find a collaborator this space might be worth watching. So here's the teaser:

A little bit of data: Automatic movement, central minute and second, jumping hour ring, moon phases as 6 o'clock, date at 10 o'clock, power reserve at 2 o'clock. And of course a unique design...

99 Metres Of Nostalgia - State Of The Art

Of course, the good old times never have been as good as we see them now in the movies. But there certainly was some kind of elegance that designers nowadays struggle to achieve. Yet, we are dreaming of things that never existed before: Imagine a yacht, almost 100 meters long, with a proud, almost vertical bow, with wide side decks that invite you for a stroll and that don’t limit the space where you put your deck chair to the aft terrace. Imagine an elegant elongated hull with sensual curves like nothing you’ve ever seen in the marinas of the world. A funnel that signals: This is a ship, not a boat.
The term ‘loft on the water’ lately has been well over-used, so imagine a stunning art deco penthouse overlooking the illuminated streets of Manhattan. Except of course, you can park your penthouse not only in the Hudson River but in all the other exciting locations around the world, too.

Going For The White Spots

When in the old times those brave explorers came back from their trips into uncharted territory they marked the areas on the map that they still haven't ventured into ‘here be dragons’ to warn the people of the unknown dangers that might lurk somewhere out there. Of course, there were those sailors that where intrigued venturing exactly there...
Today those white areas on the maps have long been filled in, but still there is a certain thrill in leaving the beaten tracks of the Mediterraneans or the Caribbeans and head into the great wide open.
In close co-operation with newcruise Yacht Projects & Design in Hamburg coquine![design] is developing this well balanced 105ft world cruiser sailing yacht that is equally fast and easy to handle as it is comfortable for long journeys. A special emphasis has been given on creating ‘real sailing experience’. What that means? The result is a surprising blend between state-of-the-art technological solutions ( like the ring-frame construction or the use of glass) and an almost ‘retro’ appearing focus on old-fashioned sailing. Coffeegrinders instead of push buttons. While this is not everybody’s cup of tea, there are still some sailors out there that like to head for uncharted territory. On the map and in their mind.

Espada Volante - Project Castor

Some of the most exciting yachts of our days have started their lives as hard working navy vessels, most notably of course Onassisʼ Christina O., which once served as a frigate for the Canadians. Their elegant hulls made them the perfect base for becoming the most desirable gentlemanʼs fancies. Some of the most fun boats actually where navy boats: Who does not remember the famous Calipso (which in fact has been a minesweeper, too), taking Jacques Cousteau and his team to all the remote corners of the world at any kind of weather, being ready to deploy helicopter, submarine, divers, etc...

The bottom line is, there is nothing like owning one of these great boats with a pedigree like a vintage Ferrari. For people that have their own distinct style, that have a taste for the extraordinary, for people who enjoy an active lifestyle, be it at the helm of a fast yacht cutting through the waves, be it diving in secluded bays or even exploring places up river where no other yacht can follow, the Castor provides the perfect platform for their very unique yachting statement.

Converted into a timeless beauty and equipped with everything thatʼs cool and fun, she will most certainly turn heads wherever sheʼs going!

Something always happens...

There should be no week without news... well, we hope we can come up with something sufficiently exciting at least once per week. And find the time to post it!

...here comes the news!

Truth is, the starting point hardly ever marks the beginning. Any progress is always part of a continuum. Circumstances that lead to the point when one declares that from now on, things are different. Day ‘zero’ in your calendar.
It is also true that one will encounter various such days in his life, and the same goes for every plan and project. Starting points are no more than waypoints that should help you to mark the point where you are in that specific moment in order to define the direction you have to go to reach a certain goal.

Not even the website of coquine![design] started with a ‘zero’. Many aspects were growing together until a picture got clearer and clearer: A design philosophy. A logo. Defining your personal goals. Make a business plan. Evaluate your ideas in progress while new projects pop up. New chances. New contacts.

Now, a new waypoint is added to the list. A new form of communication should be established via this news section. While the other part of the coquine![design] website illustrates the philosophy, this news section should give you an insight into what’s going on. New projects, new concepts. New business development. Now and again something about the people behind coquine![design]...

A new waypoint: From now on, we mean business!

Interiors In Progress

There are always discussions between designers about how to illustrate design in a ‘proper’ way, and the most debated area always is the interior. Some people say it has to remain sketchy when proposing to a client in order not to give the impression that the design has already been decided for him. Then of course there are those who say ‘the client doesn’t understand things like we designers do’. Others say that there is no way around 3D computer-illustrations, preferably animated walkthroughs and flyarounds.
So, where’s the truth? Nothing’s worse than a sloppy doodle presented as a thought-through design.  Equally worse is a shot in the wrong direction with a shiny awe-inspiring 3D rendering.

At coquine![design] we are aware of the whole problematic of the topic. Illustrations, like plans, are made to communicate ideas and proposals. Depending to who you communicate (client, yard, design colleague) and at what part of the progress you carefully have to choose the right way.  You also have to be aware of the pictures just being the tool to transport your design. A brilliant illustration might cover up a weak idea at the moment of presentation, but mistakes made will surface later.
And one more thing: Our designers don’t see themselves as artists, yet there is of course a certain artistic height in design. We want our thoughts as well presented as we feel our ideas deserve it. We put our heart into the design, so we feel it’s only fair that this heart is recognisable in the brush stroke as well.
That doesn’t mean that coquine![design] is closing its eyes to the modern techniques that computer rendering can deliver (especially as working with the computer does make things easier further down the progress) But the way of illustration should always be as full of life as our way of design will be.
This is especially important as we see our clients as members of the team: We invite them to take part in the progress of carving his dream out of blue air and we like to take them on a wonderful journey guided by plans and sketches and drawings like following old pirates’ treasure maps. We believe that this progress should be as much fun as owning that yacht later.

The Bluphire Project

One of the hottest markets at the moment involves fast Open (or hard-top) motor yachts in the range of 80 to 120 feet. A whole range of manufacturers currently tries to enter this section, challenging the establishes names like Mangusta, Pershing or Sunseeker.

No other yacht type delivers the idea of fun, speed and outdoor living better than these sleek beauties. Equipped with powerful engines, water jets or surface drives, sunbeds, a bar, some well laid out cabins and a handful of flatscreens they have everything you can ask for to enjoy a day or a weekend on the water.

With the Bluphire, coquine![design] wants to offer a next step of refinement. By adding a few feet more in order to optimise the hull’s performance rather than to maximise it’s interior volume for example. Or by fine tuning the layout to allow for more flexibility, better crew movement and a ‘loft-like’ living area under deck. Or by creating a true ‘glass house’ that re-defines the idea of indoor/outdoor living.

Great attention has been put into details like the use of glass for natural illumination, a new lighting system, innovative doors and the use of new and unexpected materials, to name but a few, in order to give the discerning yacht owner a brand new yachting experience. Probably a bit more expensive than the other Opens around, but definitely not like the others....

Some Sketching

Nothing new really, this is just a little reminder that even in the times of powerful computers and breathtaking 2D and 3D software pencil and paper and to carry your sketching tools wherever you go still are the essential basics no designer should live without.

Christian Leyk: “Thanks for the reminder... Besides, when it comes to choosing my tools, I’m rather non-discriminating. Sometimes I just open a new document in Photoshop or do some random lines in CAD...”
When it comes to creating a new layout for a yacht, the choice might be understandable. Using pre-defined elements and pushing them around the canvas is like a constant reality-check. “This way, I’m not fooling myself. From the first line to the finished layout I make sure that things really work.”
So, what about exteriors or details?
“I usually have a rough idea in my head. Sometimes I quickly sketch it, scan it and take it from there. But sometimes I just do it in the computer. Quickly put some colour on it, some highlights... when I’m happy with the effect the design starts taking a new level of life, it’s as if it starts developing by itself... Same goes for 3D work. You do some basic shape, turn it, see it from another angle and suddenly the next step, the next element to add or the next curve simply jumps at me.
Of course, there are times, too when all my computer does is providing the background music while I’m grabbing my ball pen and a piece of paper...”

How Sweet!

Pancakes are a family thing....

So coquine![design] created this icing sugar shaker with fun in mind. Think: Sunday morning. The seductive smell of fresh coffee. And hot chocolate. Think: Kids. Think: Loads of pancakes, maple sirup and some sugar over it. You figure: This is not the territory for some cool stainless steel & frosted glass designer stuff. Not the expensive china either. Did I hear ‘cute’?