After revealing proposals for the world's first 3D-printed superyacht in February, Jozeph Forakis has teamed up with Lateral Naval Architects to collaborate on the project. Denison Yachting is now marketing the yacht for sale.
The 88-metre concept, named Pegasus, is conceived as a zero-emission design that is "virtually invisible" in both its profile and environmental impact. The project stems from a desire for “harmony with nature” and the designer was inspired to create a yacht that could mimic the sea and sky, as if "made of clouds floating above the waterline". This effect is achieved through the use of mirrored glass that creates a tiered superstructure comprised of three "wings". The reflective surface allows the vessel to blend in with the surrounding landscape.
Speaking about the design, Forakis said: "By design, the project deliberately pushes the envelope. Yet all of the key technologies at play - large-scale 3D printing, green hydrogen harvesting from the sea, fuel cells, solar, hydroponics - already exist in isolated applications." He added: "What is unique is the way we’ve combined these into a complementary technology ecosystem, while creating an original visual language and experiences for the exterior and interiors. "
The role of the mirrored glass is twofold as it also incorporates transparent solar panels to power electrolysers extracting hydrogen from seawater. Electricity is stored in lithium-ion batteries that supply power to azimuth pods and other operating systems for a “virtually unlimited” cruising range. Pegasus is also defined by a metallic low linear hull, that reflects the movement of the sea, and a plumb bow.
Speaking about the "3D printing" element, Forakis added: "There is no question AM (additive manufacturing) is the manufacturing technology of the future across a wide spectrum of industries. Yachting is an area uniquely ripe for exploitation, especially where sustainability is a priority: Reducing material waste and cost, as only the necessary amount of material is used, reducing lead time and labour cost, as parts can be produced faster and easier, improving efficiency and sustainability, as parts can be made on-demand and locally, creating lightweight and strong components that reduce fuel consumption and emissions."
The interior centres around a multi-level “Tree of Life” hydroponic garden designed to provide guests with fresh food and air purification. A sculptural spiral staircase wraps around the tree trunk across four levels, starting on the lower deck where guests will find a swimming pool and zen garden.
Spacious guest lounges are intended to showcase the harmony and balance of minimalist design, with natural light filtering through triangular windows that together form the lattice framework of her 3D-printed structure. Abundant entertainment areas are dispersed through the layout, including a full-size bar, sky deck with a hard top, and relaxing outdoor dining spaces.
The top deck is reserved for a forward-facing owner's suite spanning the full 15-metre beam of the design. A large private terrace with reverse-angled floor-to-ceiling glazing provides an uninterrupted vista and floods the space with daylight. The remaining accommodation will include another six cabins on the main deck, comprising two VIP suites and four doubles. Aft an open beach club with Jacuzzi and fold-down balconies transforms into a solarium.
James Roy, managing director of Lateral Naval Architects, stated: “Lateral is excited to collaborate with Forakis Design and Denison on the pioneering vision of Pegasus. The project presents an audacious challenge in the field of structural engineering, energy architecture, and manufacturing and we look forward to exploring the boundaries of feasibility, technology readiness, and how these can be accelerated.”
Automated 3D printing will create the mesh framework from a polymer-alloy composite filament, integrating both the displacement hull and the superstructure. The result is a strong and lightweight structure able to be produced with substantially fewer resources. Additionally, the framework within the structure will become visible in certain lighting conditions.
"Now is the time for courageous leaps toward our collective sustainable future," said Forakis. "Pegasus is a bold but achievable vision for the near future of the superyacht industry, where man and machine live in harmony with nature rather than competing or compromising it."
The entire solar/hydrogen propulsion system can reach a max speed of 18 knots with a cruising speed of 12 knots.