We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer BAZ Yacht Design about their original and creative Smart Hybrid Motoryacht design work. BAZ Yacht Design is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original smart hybrid motoryacht works.
BAZ Yacht Design ("BYD") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Kai Smart Hybrid Motoryacht. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
BYD : From the outset, our vision for the KAI was to create an eco-friendly gentleman’s yacht that could seamlessly dock at most marinas and ports without size restrictions ensuring %100 owner's privacy.
BYD : KAI offers unparalleled privacy with a fully enclosed owner’s deck that includes an office lounge, open-air cinema, sundeck, and golf practice area, all completely separate from the crew and other guests. For comfort, the aft deck transforms into a 125m² marine paradise beach club with a 4.8x2.4m seawater pool, thanks to foldable bulwarks. For tranquility, there’s an underwater observatory lounge with a massage room for serene moments. The yacht is also highly functional, featuring a descending deck that can carry a 13m tender for long cruises. Lastly, KAI prioritizes eco-friendliness with electric engines, ensuring a silent cruise and docking experience.
BYD : We believe that KAI has a unique soul, and we're excited to expand the KAI family. We've already begun developing a 39.5m KAI catamaran and a 13m KAI tender. Our next step is to find the right owner for these new designs and start production as soon as possible to bring these innovations to life.
BYD : Designing the Platinum Award-winning Project KAI took approximately 5-6 months. The project began in Hamburg, Germany, in November 2023, during the establishment of our Hamburg Branch Office, and was further developed in Antalya and Marmaris, Turkey.
BYD : We have designed this particular concept out of pure inspiration. It was a creative pursuit driven by our passion for innovative yacht design and our desire to push the boundaries of what's possible. This allowed us the freedom to explore new ideas and bring our vision to life without the constraints of a commission.
BYD : Project KAI has not been produced yet; however, we are keen to find the right owner to bring her to life. We are open to collaborating with potential buyers or partners to ensure that this innovative design is realized to its fullest potential.
BYD : We designed Project KAI to push the boundaries of yacht design, combining sleek lines, eco-friendly features, and the timeless elegance of a gentleman's yacht. Our goal was to create a vessel that offers an unparalleled experience on the water, blending cutting-edge technology with aesthetic appeal to meet and exceed the expectations of discerning yacht enthusiasts.
BYD : Special thanks to our incredible team, as every step of the design process was meticulously handled in-house at BAZ Yacht Design.
BYD : The target for this timeless, award-winning design is a gentleman who values innovative technology, privacy, and a deep connection with nature.
BYD : Soft, elegant lines were crucial to our design approach. We aimed for a purely sophisticated exterior, which led us to incorporate a harmonious palette with subtle variations in color and a use of sleek hull portholes and fashion plate glass. The design features a seamless, two-tone surface to maintain unity and harmony, with no visible hawseholes at the bow to preserve its refined aesthetic.
BYD : Named after the Hawaiian word for "ocean," this design embodies the essence of the sea with its fluid lines and serene elegance.
BYD : For Project KAI, we use a range of essential tools to bring our yacht concepts to life. We start with an iPad for sketching initial ideas, which allows for flexible brainstorming. For detailed 3D modeling, we rely on Rhinoceros 3D, and we enhance our visual presentations with Vray and Corona for realistic renderings. Our inspiration is further enriched by yacht design magazines and books, which keep us updated on trends and techniques, fueling our creative process.
BYD : The most unique aspect of our design is its entirely distinctive approach, combining eco-silent cruising with exceptional privacy and luxury.
BYD : As shared above, as every step of the design process was meticulously handled in-house at BAZ Yacht Design.
BYD : Technology plays an utmost role in this design. It features a large battery bank and a smart-hybrid system, enabling KAI to cruise with eco-friendly, silent navigation. This integration ensures both sustainability and a refined, tranquil experience on the water
BYD : The primary focus of our research for the project was on eco-friendly navigation systems. Rather than using generator-powered electric azipods, we opted for the new MAN Smart Hybrid engines. These innovative engines offer the flexibility to navigate using electric power, diesel, or a combination of both.
BYD : Two main challenges during the creative and research phase for Project KAI were managing the weight of the battery pack and addressing its high temperature in electric mode. To maintain stability, we planned to position the battery pack room between the amidships and the engine room. For temperature control, we will implement a closed-circuit liquid cooling system using seawater, ensuring effective cooling both between bulkheads and individual batteries.
BYD : We had complete confidence in our design and wanted to enhance its international recognition. Submitting it to an international design competition was the ideal way to showcase its excellence and gain broader acclaim.
BYD : During the design of this project, we gained valuable insights into integrating advanced eco-friendly technologies and enhancing overall efficiency.
BYD : We also would like to mention that, following the Platinum Award, we are eager to make KAI a reality and see her on the water for her esteemed owner. This achievement has further fueled our enthusiasm to bring this exceptional design to life and showcase its unique qualities.
