Lateral Naval Architects reveals 102m concept Project Balance

1 October 2018 • Written by Miranda Blazeby

British naval architecture and engineering firm Lateral Naval Architects has teamed up with Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and Dutch yard Oceanco to reveal its debut concept. The Southampton based firm, which only launched in June this year, revealed the 102 metre concept at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Project Balance features design by Sinot, engineering by Lateral and is based on Oceanco’s LIFE platform. The concept prioritises “fuel efficiency, environmentally conscious solutions and technical innovation”.

The design comes from the fledgling firm Lateral Naval Architects

Oceanco described the LIFE platform as promoting “less weight, less power and less technical space”, resulting in a “lower overall gross tonnage”. A key feature of the engineering is a single level engine room. Principal naval architect Alex Meredith Hardy explained, “Where conventional designs of this size would employ a full height engine room, Project Balance can utilise a single tier design to deliver more benefits to the owner.”

He added, “The single tier engine room at the heart of the LIFE platform delivers greater accommodation and lifestyle space, more flexibility in layout, and, ultimately, a yacht of perfect balance.”

Sinot was handed the five-deck yacht’s exterior design brief, which features large glass windows and expansive outdoor spaces. Key features include a 10-metre pool, beach club, observatory and outside cinema on the bridge deck.

The lower deck meanwhile includes the single-level engine room, beach club, gym, spa and sauna. The yacht also features widespread teak detailing on the stern and in the ceilings.

Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design described Project Balance as the "perfect family yacht"

Sinot described Project Balance as “the perfect family yacht”. “Her innovative layout and design will set the new standard for future generations,” the studio said.

Accommodation on Project Balance is for 14 guests comprising four double suites on the lower deck, a dedicated owner’s deck and two VIP apartments on the main deck.

Lateral managing director James Roy explained the yacht design’s project name. “Project Balance is a yacht with a natural balance of proportion, form and space - achieved by taking inspiration from the laws of nature and asking new questions.”

The unveiling of the concept comes just months after Lateral launched in partnership with Dutch builder Oceanco and British engineering firm BMT Nigel Gee. The firm, which is a major joint partnership between the two companies, specialises in yachts measuring over 100 metres.

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