Merrily Mereley

Hot Lab’s latest design for AES Yacht's Mereley I blends explorer yacht tradition with a sportier edge, featuring expansive glazing and a striking profile.

04 March 2025

Hot Lab has provided further insight into its design for the 35-metre custom superyacht Mereley I, built by AES Yacht in Turkey. Milan-based design studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group, was responsible for both the exterior and interior design.

Mereley I is a fully custom vessel designed with elements of both an explorer yacht and a sportier vessel. It features a semi-displacement steel hull and an aluminium superstructure, built to RINA classification. The yard says the new yacht has a transatlantic range of 3,800 nautical miles at 11.5 knots.

Reflecting on the project, Hot Lab co-founder and design director Enrico Lumini says: “Her volumes clearly reference the tradition of expedition vessels, yet at the same time have a more dynamic and sporty spirit. We wanted to give a sleeker look to a classic explorer.”

Mereley I’s transatlantic range reaches 3,800 nautical miles.

The open bulwarks are designed to maximise visibility at sea.

The beach club features a multifunctional swimming platform.

The sundeck jacuzzi offers a spacious retreat with panoramic ocean views.

Sunpads are perfectly positioned.

The aft deck features an al fresco dining area, seamlessly connected to the skylounge for open-air meals with panoramic views.

Hot Lab's design combines explorer yacht tradition with modern elements.

The jacuzzi on the sundeck offers elevated ocean views.

The yacht features a bar for sundowners.

The woodwork includes teak ceilings in exterior areas, along with detailed carvings on outdoor tables.

Expansive windows enhance natural light throughout the yacht.

Mereley I is a fully custom superyacht designed with elements of both an explorer yacht and a sportier vessel.

Dark, warm greys and natural tones create a refined yet bold interior atmosphere.

The owner’s suite includes a king-sized bed, office space and a forward ensuite.

Interior design and materials

The interior incorporates a colour scheme of dark, warm greys, blacks and neutral sand and linen tones. Hot Lab’s design avoids pastel tones and excessive saturation, creating a balanced contrast throughout the spaces. The woodwork includes teak ceilings in exterior areas, along with detailed carvings on outdoor tables, handrails, and headboards in the master and VIP cabins.

The impressive owner’s suite spans the full beam of the main deck and includes a central king-sized bed, office space, walk-in wardrobe, and forward ensuite. Large windows provide natural light to highlight the use of dark hardwoods and marble ceiling details. Other accommodation includes two VIP and two twin ensuite cabins amidships on the lower deck, bringing the total guest capacity to 12.

Oak, lacquered finishes, and resins are among the materials used throughout. The interior also incorporates 3D-textured surfaces designed to interact with natural light.

Lumini notes: “We wanted the interiors to feature many reflections – partly to trick the eye and partly to bring the bluish hues of the sea into the spaces.”

Exterior and layout features

Large rectangular windows, a typical characteristic of explorer yachts, are integrated into the design aboard Mereley I. The skylounge has floor-to-ceiling windows, a bar, and a lounge area, with sliding glass doors leading to a dining space on the deck. The main deck saloon offers an additional seating area with an L-shaped sofa and dining table for up to 10 guests. The yacht also has a distinctive blue hull and red waterline stripes, while open bulwarks further enhance exterior views.

The stern beach club features two skylights and an integrated swimming platform capable of accommodating a tender. Additional deck areas include a sundeck with a jacuzzi and a dedicated technical space for jetskis on the upper deck.

Erdem Biçer, shipyard manager and partner at AES Yacht, says: “Our goal was to design a striking, modern explorer yacht with expansive windows, open bulwarks, and a spacious layout. We prioritised a strong connection to the sea with a large swimming platform, beach club, and an airy sundeck, and the Hot Lab team executed everything to perfection. Mereley I is perfect for owners who value luxury, comfort, and versatile indoor-outdoor living, offering ample space for relaxation and socialising, even with large groups.”

The main deck saloon features a spacious seating area with an L-shaped sofa and dining table.

Availability and future plans

Mereley I is listed for sale. Deniz Kaymaz, yacht broker at Northrop & Johnson, says: “She embodies the perfect balance of strength and elegance, designed for those who refuse to compromise on either. Crafted with precision and vision, this yacht isn’t just about reaching destinations; she’s about redefining the journey.”

Hot Lab and AES Yacht have collaborated on several projects to date. “Their design approach considers not only aesthetics but also the yacht’s intended use and production process, which greatly facilitates the shipyard’s work,” says Biçer. “This makes collaborating with them a truly enjoyable experience. In turn, we strive to push the boundaries of production where necessary to ensure maximum adherence to the design.”

Antonio Romano, commercial and marketing director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab, adds: “Mereley I is a perfect example of how it is possible to build a magnificent yacht from scratch in Turkey, featuring cutting-edge characteristics and top-tier aesthetic and technical finishes. Mereley I boasts spacious outdoor areas, a highly recognisable style (a key factor in this region), and excellent finishes.

“I am confident that it will be successful in the charter market and soon make an owner very happy. I’m also extremely proud, on behalf of Hot Lab and AES Yacht, to see such a high-quality, head-turning design on the first yacht project delivered together.”

AES Yacht is now planning the production of a second hull and is working with Hot Lab on a 40m version from the same line, with further details to be announced later this year.

hotlab.it
aesyacht.com
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