PHDesign Studio reveals 38m explorer concept Project Orion

Designer Pierre-Hugues Vallin of PhDesign Studio has revealed a 38-metre explorer concept named Project Orion.

The full displacement yacht is based on the idea of being "comfortable in all seasons", according to the designer. Her strong and muscular exterior consists of strong shoulders and a low front profile. A two-tone paint scheme connotes the duality of an explorer and the comfort of a yacht – bronze signalling comfort and black for the more technical areas.

Speaking about the exterior, the designer said: "On the bow, I designed a little enlargement under the main deck window to generate a nice shadow on the hull and reinforce her strength on the front. This shape also allows a few centimetres of enlargement to the cabin and is expected to evacuate the waves in rough seas."

The yacht also has a range of eco-focused design features, including a substantial solar panel on the sundeck and a large selection of bio-based materials and natural fibres.

Accommodation on the 380GT yacht is for a total of 12 guests and nine crew and includes a full-beam owner's stateroom on the main deck with a private terrace forward. The owner's area can be customised to include a private apartment with an office or a massage room. There is also a full-beam VIP cabin on the lower deck with a private saloon on one side, while four double crew cabins are located forward of the boat and a captain cabin is on the upper deck.

Guests will board the boat from the main deck and will be met by an external saloon featuring large sunpads, two sofas and a bar. The main saloon is a continuation of this spacious seating with a sofa facing the sea and dining area. Large openings on the sides give the feel of a "light-bathed loft with a terrace on the sea".

Forward on the main deck, material choices darken the light interior "as if you're going deep in the abyss". Large screens behind the dining table allow guests to project films of their travels, which extends on the side screen walls. The screens double up as discreet passages leading to adjoining areas and can be closed for privacy.

The upper deck is a "technical deck", where toys, Jet Skis, and submarines will be stored alongside a big capacity crane located on portside. There is also the immersive and interactive skylounge, where guests can plan trips and activities, pilot aerial and underwater drones, and capture the footage of their experiences, accompanied by state-of-the-art virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies. Forward of this is a large sunbathing area which can be fitted with a Jacuzzi.

Further highlights include the sun deck with a bar and external kitchen, as well as a pool flanked by lounge sofas.

From the saloon, a hidden door in the side provides access to the beach club. There, guests will find everything needed for relaxation – from massage facilities, a sauna and large sunbeds to cocktails served by the sea. This space also allows storage of bicycles, tenders, handheld submarines, and diving equipment.

Vallin added: "I played with the layout to create an option which offers a large saloon separated with the dining by a central bar and kitchen. The aim is to create two separate spaces, with the central kitchen where the chef can showcase the preparation of the plates as a Michelin star restaurant. The dining area can be enclosed for meetings. This layout gave me the possibility to create another large room on the main deck, where can be displayed a massage room or a little gym for the guests."