Conversation
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G LYN P ETER M ACHIN
Conversation
“ULTIMATE CUSTOM FOR THE
ULTIMATE YACHT”
t
here are so many complimentary comments sailing around the luxury marine industry about the quality of furniture designs flowing out the Glyn Peter Machin´s design studio that we had to revisit Glyn again to see first hand what all the fuss is about. Since we last visited Glyn´s studio last year many new designs have been born. The walls of this cosy studio are filled with sketches, marker drawings and renderings of new ideas awaiting development or the right project to come along. Shelves are lined with clear acrylic cases
housing incredibly detailed resin scaled models of designs in latter stages of development. Models are important for understanding scale and how light effects the look of a piece. Glyn elaborated, “We build the models not only for our own understanding but also for the client. Most designers enjoy seeing models of their designs and most love to make models themselves. But alas our fast paced environment and project deadlines don’t allow any time to make models like the designers of old used to do”.
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Today G.P.M. studio uses a technology called 3D Printing
The Icon pieces inspired from the philosophies of past icons in world design from gardening to couture fashion.
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to create scaled models in less than 1 hour. Normally reserved for high tech industries such as the aerospace or automobile industry 3D printing is an amazing process, which is commonly, know to many as rapid prototyping. They offer this type of modeling process as a service to other studios, architects and shipyards and have had numerous enquiries to produce scale models. Also on display were models and images from Glyn´s new collection for McGuire Furniture of San Francisco, USA which was launched this past month and full size prototypes of new designs in steel and 4mm thick saddle leather created for HBF the high end contract furniture company also from USA. Sitting among these amazingly detailed and refined pieces were numerous custom designs. Some of the buzz within the industry revolves around Glyn´s ability to create such luxurious custom pieces for the exteriors of super yachts and fine residences. On most projects these “ultimate custom” designs are generally blended together with pieces from the studios brand of production products to a stunning effect. So much so that Glyn Peter Machin´s design, development and production studio is becoming the team to go to when yacht designers, owners, captains and yards require exceptional pieces for their respective projects. Pieces that no one else has or that no one else can offer. Presently the studio is designing custom exterior pieces for each deck of five major new build super yachts ranging from 75mtrs through to 124mtrs in length, one of a kind pieces for existing 48mtr and 66mtr yachts currently berthed for the winter and have already supplied 2 major projects close to launch. At the most recent 2006 Monaco Yacht Show all manner of industry professionals flocked to the studios stand and 2 major shipbuilders Burger Boat (Mirgab V) and Baglietto (Blue Scorpian) respectively exhibited their prestigious yachts with Glyn´s designs gracing the open decks. To cement the winning concept of blending custom with exclusive branded products both yachts featured this unique product combination.
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Its somewhat like creating the “ultimate custom for the ultimate yacht” that is what we do and will be concentrating on for years to come. We imagine most superyacht owners really don’t want the same products on their decks as other superyachts.
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Oceansand Oceansand
Samui Samui
“Our passion for developing, managing and producing our own brand of luxury products as well as simultaneously creating exclusive custom designs for interior/exterior living environments for clients worldwide remains strong and is the major focus for our studio”, states Glyn. They can today offer clients some of highest quality “production” products available accompanied with equally high standard of design. But most interestingly we can offer a superb custom design service. Their in house design, technical and manufacturing experience combined with a
team of specialist workshops/factories affords the luxury of being able to custom produce furniture designs which most companies are unable to supply. The current clients want the best, want something unique on their equally unique vessels and want detailed luxury. “Its somewhat like creating the “ultimate custom for the ultimate yacht” that is what we do and will be concentrating on for years to come. We imagine most superyacht owners really don’t want the same products on their
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Siesta Series Siesta Daybed/Pavillion
decks as other superyachts�, says Glyn with that hint of true passion for his craft that is refreshing to see. Awarenss that each build is a personal project for an owner and as such the products the yacht is decorated with both inside and out should reflect this. It is a rarity that one studio can provide this kind of finely balanced service of exclusively designed production pieces blended with equally exclusive custom pieces. It requires an equal balance of good design, good research, good development and above all manufacturing to the highest specifications.
G.P.M. have a reliable network of excellent workshops and manufacturers to partner them with custom production. Some are in fact the same craftsmen who create the production designs. Flexibility is a key factor. The yacht industry is growing and developing its needs by the year. Glyn goes on to observe, “We are essentially a design studio but a few years ago noticed that the decks of super yachts were looking all to similar. This is not in the slightest down to the yacht
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The southern european culture of afternoon siestas led us to create a series of pieces which blends the concept of relaxation together with comfort and functional simplicity. Within the series we have low line chaises with luxurious textile mesh, open framed modular lounge seating, daybeds, sofas with woven strap seat frames but probably the most unique piece is series is the daybed pavilion. This lounging bed not only provides exceptional comfort but privacy and seclusion. The pavilion can be customised to various sizes, materials and include night lighting.
Siesta Series Siesta Seating
Siesta Series Siesta Chaises
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We take custom to the extreme on t he very large yachts by designing custom groups for each particular deck. Allowing the owners deck to be even more special and unique.
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designers/stylists as they can only work with what is available to them. We intend to try and change that by offering them new design on a regular basis. One doesnt have to bring out a 20 piece collection every year as its too expensive and only key pieces sell anyway”. There is a continuing situation where currently high end companies active in the exterior furniture environment don’t produce fast enough. A collection every four years wont keep the furniture designers happy let alone the specifiers of these amazing vessels. “Small capsule collections containing key pieces and custom design are the way forward. The major yacht stylists and designers allow the kind lead times required to create significant custom pieces because they appreciate the value it brings to a custom yacht owner”. On this theme he adds, “We take custom to the extreme on the very large yachts by designing custom groups for each particular deck. Allowing the owners deck to be even more special and unique”. By designing and introducing small capsule collections Glyn’s studio can develop and produce in a much smaller time frame than a large collection needs we maintain a constant flow of new ideas and product into the studios of professionals that create the vessels. Adding to to the collaborative and interactive nature of the studio Glyn goes onto say, “Yacht designers, architects, interior designers, owners and captains generally build our collections. We let them tell us whether we need to extend our collections to include other pieces. They are of course intelligent enough to ask about a series in depth and complimentary additions. If we haven’t got a piece in the line that a client asks for we design it for them”. There is a niche in supplying the best in both production and custom and it’s a niche that G.P.M. are filling right now and a niche that they are informing and garnering ideation from this process. The beauty of offering custom design and supply is that the opportunity to create something challenging is very good for the creative juices. Often when brainstorming for custom projects is in full flow it leads to ideas that feed into other work. The brochure contains production items, which is send to those interested. At the same time selected design professionals recieve a portfolio of all new designs and design ideas so that they can build up a file of both types of
product. Its important to provide the studios with ideas for furnishing and be on hand as this kind of resource. G.P.M. send out designs for new capsule collections as such items can always be ordered as custom long before they are even placed into full production. Some of these small collections are only available as custom.
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Collaboration is big thing for the studio and having the opportunity to work with the world’s most prolific stylists and design professionals within both marine and residen-
tial environments fuels the desire to provide them with the tools to work with. “We don’t consider ourselves as being competition to anyone even though competition is a good thing, as it brings out the best and drives one to be better oneself. We just concentrate on what we do and try to do it the best we can for the people who engage our services or wish to place our products in their residence or yacht. If a client or customer chooses a product from another company over ours its because they prefer that product and
Le Clip Le Clip
Yacht Club Yacht Club
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in the end the client has a choice”. The Glyn Peter Machin design studios brand of interior & exterior furniture is growing at a steady sensible pace and they continue to design under license agreement albeit for very selective design houses/manufacturers around the world. They enjoy immensely the challenge of custom designing furniture for some of the worlds most luxurious yachts and residences. Seeing the level of design exellence dotted around the walls and floors of their studio one can only agree and understand why G.P.M. is be-
coming the studio to come to when seeking custom and production at the highest level. “There is so much growth in this market its amazing and we just want to be part of that exciting expansion. To be on the lips of all professionals involved in this market when their projects requires high end exterior or interior furniture is a good feeling”. As Glyn says it may be a good feeling, but the day is already here when having G.P.M. Studio involved is a benchmark of the expectations and production values of any new high end project.
Design Diversity Design Diversity
Design diversity is another factor to stay innovative. Working with different materials and different design styles keeps the mind sharp and keeps you thinking. Our ideas come from all manner of vocations, from extreme weather sports to classic automobiles. In fact Le Clip was derived from to things that couldnt be further apart. Initial concept thoughts developed form daily office supplies such as paper clips and scissors (note the warehouse table profile is that of a paperclip and when the Le Clip sun lounger is mirrored with its reflection is resembles a pair of scissors. The second inspiration for shape came from Formula 1 race cars. There rear low line perspective view of the sun lounger resembles that of a F1 car – you have to use your imagination of course.
Diablo Diablo
Imagination and innovation is big part of custom design especially for such demanding projects as a multimillion euro yacht. Our starting point is of course to listen to the client and there requirements, we research the overall interior of the project then set out on our creative process to bring the same level of luxury to the exterior areas. More and more projects are featuring extended open air
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and covered deck space because life on the ocean is about enjoying the lazy days, beautiful sunsets and relaxing with friends. We want to make those areas of the boat just as special as the interiors. How we design and produce our production pieces is strongly influenced by this change but one can only really personalise an environment by creating custom unique pieces. Due to offering the custom aspect to these amazing pro-
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jects we are able to present materials and design styles that regular manufacturers simply cannot offer. We design classic to contemporary pieces in teak through to modern pieces in steels and plastics as well as mixing many kinds of materials, woods and finishes. Our most recent custom designs for a 75mtr project involved upholstery inspired from plush ribbed car seating in the 50´s. The clients just loved it.
Navale Lounge Navale lounge
TO VIEW THE STUDIUOS PORTFILIO OF CUSTOM AND PRODUCTION DESIGNS OR VISIT THE STUDIO PLEASE EMAIL TO GPM@GLYNPETERMACHIN.COM
GLYN PETER MACHIN Haderslevvej 42 6000 Kolding Denmark T. +45 7554 1167 gpm@glynpetermachin.com www.glynpetermachin.com
LONDON SHOWROOM 3rd Floor. South Dome Design Centre Chelsea Harbour London sw10 0xe, United Kingdom T.+44 (0)7805 212 719 gpm@glynpetermachin.com