Jozeph Forakis, the Italian design studio, has revealed its remarkable proposals for the world’s first 3D-printed superyacht, the Pegasus, measuring 88 metres in length. The concept has been conceived as a zero-emission design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The idea for the yacht was born out of a desire for “harmony with nature”, and the designer sought to create a vessel that would imitate the sea and sky, almost as if it were floating clouds above the water line.
The yacht’s profile and environmental impact are both virtually invisible, achieved through the use of mirrored glass to create a tiered superstructure consisting of three wings. This mirrored surface also integrates transparent solar panels, which power electrolysers that extract hydrogen from seawater. The electricity is stored in lithium-ion batteries, which supply power to azimuth pods and other operating systems, providing the yacht with a “virtually unlimited” cruising range. The metallic low linear hull, which reflects the movement of the sea, and plumb bow define the Pegasus.
The interior of the yacht features a multi-level “Tree of Life” hydroponic garden that provides guests with fresh food and air purification. A sculptural spiral staircase, which wraps around the tree trunk across four levels, starting on the lower deck, is a stunning feature. On the lower deck, guests will also find a swimming pool and a zen garden. The layout is punctuated with abundant entertainment areas, including a full-size bar, sky deck with a hard top, and relaxing outdoor dining spaces.
Guest lounges feature minimalist design and are intended to showcase harmony and balance, with natural light filtering through triangular windows that form the lattice framework of the 3D-printed structure.
The top deck is exclusively reserved for a forward-facing owner’s suite that spans the entire 15-metre beam of the design. A large private terrace with reverse-angled floor-to-ceiling glazing provides an uninterrupted vista and floods the space with daylight. Additionally, there are another six cabins on the main deck, comprising two VIP suites and four doubles, and an open beach club with a Jacuzzi and fold-down balconies transforms into a solarium at the stern.
Automated 3D printing creates the mesh framework from a polymer-alloy composite filament, integrating both the displacement hull and the superstructure, resulting in a strong and lightweight structure that can be produced with substantially fewer resources. The framework within the structure becomes visible in certain lighting conditions, adding to the yacht’s overall allure.
According to Forakis, now is the time for bold steps towards our collective sustainable future. Pegasus is a courageous but achievable vision for the near future of the superyacht industry, where man and machine live in harmony with nature, rather than competing or compromising it. The entire solar/hydrogen propulsion system can reach a maximum speed of 18 knots, with a cruising speed of 12 knots.
