ZUCCON INTERNATIONAL PROJECT by Désirée Sormani
The SL102Asymmetric, Sanlorenzo’s first ever asymmetric yacht, is a sharp break with yacht design convention. Penned by the Roman studio, it offers a hugely innovative layout and a new way of living against an ever-changing backdrop with the sea as its accomplice
Siblings Bernardo and Martina Zuccon aboard the SL102Asymmetric
“E
very project brings its own challenges that have to be overcome to
l’œil” effect that demands a keen eye to decipher her volumes, passages and
reach the final objective. The SL102A was definitely one of those
movements. This boldly innovative project won over the jury at the ADI Design
projects with quite a high experimental component. But it was
Index 2019, taking home the Eccellenze del Design prize. Commissioned
also one of the most interesting because it allowed us to explore new territories
by Sanlorenzo with which the studio enjoys a very fruitful partnership, her
and scenarios of onboard living. A courageous project that attempts to shift
mission was to deliver improved usability of interior spaces and better onboard
of naval tradition’s balances. At first sight and from the outside, the absence
communication. The idea originally came from the legendary car designer
of symmetry is almost imperceptible but once aboard, the visual and physical
Chris Bangle with whom a team of Sanlorenzo technicians and designers
distance from the sea changes constantly, offering a new experience with every
worked, and was then further developed and realised by Zuccon International
move,” says Bernardo Zuccon, architect and son of two great yacht design
Project. The design of the SL102 Asymmetric’s topsides cleverly blurs its
icons, Gianni Zuccon and Paola Galeazzi, founders of Zuccon International
asymmetry by using the same styling cues, in masking the upper walkway
Project. He is correct: one has to stop, look hard at SL102A and analyse her in
on the port side which is protected by a guard rail that also reappears on the
the same way as a work of art. Because she is absolutely not what she seems
starboard albeit as more of a decorative than protective element. “The biggest
at first glance – a regular yacht. In fact, her designers have created a “trompe-
challenge was developing a new boat concept whilst still retaining the styling
92
