Italian yard Azimut announced its new design partnership with m2atelier during the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival, where they held the grand reveal of the Grande 30M. The 29.1-metre model marked the conclusion of Azimut's long-standing collaboration with Salvagni Architetti, while carving out a new niche for the Italian yard – with living spaces styled after "different architectural language[s]", including residential and contemporary art.
Two years on, and the pair are returning to the Festival with several exciting announcements, including the debut of their first publicly available collaboration, the Azimut Grande Trideck. And with 17 of these models already on the water, according to BOATPro, this latest iteration has a legacy to live up to.
BOAT sits down with Marco Bonelli and Marijana Radovic of m2Atelier and Federico Lantero – head of product design at Azimut – to find out more.
How did the collaboration between Azimut and m2Atelier come about?
"When we sought to renovate the Grande series, we were coming out from a very long and successful collaboration with Salvagni Architetti," explained Lantero. "So, you can imagine it was challenging for us to identify and scout a new partner.
[m2atelier] was suggested by word of mouth, which is the best channel for this industry. We were already familiar with their work in the large sailing yacht market, and were impressed by how they managed to modernise and bring out the beauty of sailing yacht interiors in a really subtle way. That formed the basis of our relationship.
It quickly became clear that m2atelier was the right choice, as their design approach resonated with Azimut's own philosophy – creating a fully cohesive experience, from the architecture to the furniture and loose pieces. It's all about balance.
What sets this interior proposal for the Azimut Grande Trideck apart?
"We've given a lot of thought to the modern client, and the interior proposal has been updated with this in mind," explained Bonelli. "How have yacht owners evolved? What is the next thing we can offer them? The common thread is that owners are more laid-back. They want their yachts to be fun, but not too ostentatious and comfortable above all else. For these owners we created what we call a "barefoot luxury" style.
I'm very proud of the layout, particularly the master cabin. We wanted to avoid the en suite doors that every yacht seems to have. The result is a space with great circulation and flow that feels very fresh."
"We also wanted to bring out the beautiful windows that the Azimut Grande Trideck is known for. So we played with materials and finishes to bring in as much light as possible," added Radovic. "For example, we went for a combination of matte and reflective surfaces and a double-layered ceiling in the main saloon to evoke this feeling of a veranda. Again, we wanted to avoid domes and other tropes you often see in yacht architecture."
"I also think [m2atelier] manage to mix styles in a very pleasurable way – there's modernity, linearity and a bit of classic," concluded Lantero. "Living spaces have a lot of natural light and brightness, but still manage to feel cosy. That's a special feeling, and something important to a client."
What was the most challenging part of the design process?
"There were two major difficulties. The first is building on a brand and model that is already so well-established," admitted Radovic. "We were thinking, 'How do we improve this?'. The second was that our studio is used to custom projects where the owner has a clear vision. It's more challenging to anticipate the market while remaining original and innovative. But it was a challenge we wanted to tackle."
"Challenge is not a negative thing. It's what inspires you to do better," added Bonelli. "We loved the challenge. And we think it's resulted in an excellent product."
What is your favourite feature on board?
"The Feature Wall in the main saloon. In previous models, this was a place where the owner could hang their artwork. Now, it's a work of art in itself," explained Bonelli. "It is inspired by the shape of theatre curtains and the optical illusions of the 1960s. Two different finishes on either side create a living, three-dimensional surface that shifts with the natural light. It looks completely different in the morning than it does in the evening, and different again under artificial lighting."
"A lot of work and ingenuity have gone into making this feature feel effortless," added Radovic. "This collaboration is an extension of Azimut's 'Made in Italy' ethos, and this wall is a great example of the Italian artisans that are behind the scenes of each product. We wanted to show their muscles!"
However, Radovic added that the most important element of the Azimut Grande Trideck is the "smaller details". "The interiors aren't about big first impressions – like a bomb in your face – but something that unfolds organically as you move through the spaces," she continued. "This is for the practical considerations as well as the aesthetic. A good example is in the bathrooms. The shower handles function as towel racks and mechanisms to block the doors from swinging open while underway. This is something a client will only notice and appreciate after their first trip!"
Is this the beginning of a long collaboration?
"Definitely. One year ago, we announced our collaboration on Azimut's new flagship, the Grande 44M," said Lantero. "m2atelier are the perfect partner to develop this new instalment in an iconic Azimut series. We're in the first stages of a fruitful relationship."
"It's already been three years, though it feels like longer," laughed Radovic. "There's a mutual understanding and respect there, and it's been a wonderful journey so far. So, yes!"