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!