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

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

Below, the yacht’s asymmetry meant that a large dining room could be located on one side, complete with floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking the sea, and a saloon on the other that opens out on to a balcony. Very much like a modern beach house. Above, the master cabin and cockpit. Bottom, an exterior view

cues of a brand as historic as Sanlorenzo. We had to craft a new concept that would also faithfully reflect all of the aspects that characterised the yard’s 60-year history,” says the architect. So what has that meant for the interior? The aforementioned asymmetry allowed the designers to have a large dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows looking directly out over the water on one side and a saloon to starboard that opens out on to a balcony. This choice offers more space than a traditional layout (around 10 square metres were clawed back!), lots of bright, natural light and great flexibility of use. The décor and furnishings are also the work of ZIP with Martina Zuccon creating beautifully refined pieces bespoke crafted for the owners, tailored just for them like all Sanlorenzo yachts. “Thanks to a visionary yard and the stimulus it gave us, we got to explore new territory in terms of living spaces and styles. Concepts that are now the great strength of all our projects”. www.zucconinternationalproject.com