A symbiosis of nature
Studio KMJ’s 85-metre superyacht concept Symbiosis will be revealed in detail at the Monaco Yacht Show.
21 September 2023
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Zurich-based design studio KMJ is presenting its 85-metre, nature-led superyacht design Symbiosis at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show.
Studio KMJ, which is helmed by head designer and CEO Kurt Merki Jr, first teased two areas of Symbiosis – the Tree of Life and the Sanctum – last year, capturing worldwide media and industry attention.
Symbiosis is described by KMJ as “a natural oasis that packs in 10 key nature-driven features”. The 3,000 gt, ready-to-build superyacht has been envisioned with accommodation for 12 guests and 24 crew but its general arrangement is flexible and can be curated for an owner’s needs.
Despite the nature-first approach, Symbiosis features plenty of luxurious comforts, including a helipad, a wellness suite and a full garage of tenders and toys.
“After a long journey, I’m excited to finally unveil a revolution of nature on board,” says Kurt Merki Jr, head designer and CEO of Studio KMJ. “Symbiosis showcases nature by elevating wellbeing on board to an entirely new level.”
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To mark the occasion, Studio KMJ has launched a multimedia campaign with Swiss creative studio Luca Steiner. The video of Symbiosis will be played throughout the four days of the Monaco Yacht Show, which runs from September 27 to 30 2023. Attendees will also be able to experience a full immersive experience – said to be a first for the event.
Merki Jr will host a talk in the Design & Innovation hub on 29 September at 4.20pm. The talk promises to take attendees ‘behind the scenes’ of the concept, showcasing the design philosophy of Symbiosis. In addition, German engineer Axel Massmann, CEO of “interior greening” specialist Yacht-Green, will join Merki Jr on stage for an insightful conversation on the best practices to make a superyacht more eco-friendly.
Yacht-Green has provided the plants and filtration systems onboard many major projects, including some of the most sought-after charter yachts in the >100m category.
Massmann has been involved with the Symbiosis project since its inception, acting as a strategic advisor to make sure Symbiosis not only looks impressive but is also feasible. As a result, all the natural elements that make up Symbiosis are design-ready, ensuring the vessel is more than a concept.
“Kurt’s project was of such interest to me because, with all its different green features and 10 amazing scenes, it’s not just a superyacht with a few potted plants, it’s a whole new lifestyle,” says Massmann.
Merki Jr adds: “I am delighted to have Axel Massmann onboard. He plays a pivotal role in bringing our vision of nature onboard to life, turning it from a concept into a breath-taking reality.”
Visitors to the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show can visit Studio KMJ’s stand to see Symbiosis, which is located in the Design & Innovation Hub on Quai des Etats-Unis.
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