The outsider: how a land-based architect brought fresh ideas to 56m Virtuosity

Piero Lissoni, art director for Sanlorenzo Yachts and designer of the interiors for the 56-meter superyacht *Virtuosity*, challenges traditional nautical design by advocating for yachts to be conceived as villas rather than conventional maritime vessels. He criticizes the common practice among shipyard architects of incorporating overly ostentatious materials, such as excessive marbles, hides, and exotic woods, which he believes often lead to vulgarity. Instead, Lissoni emphasizes a design philosophy that prioritizes functionality, comfort, and beauty, akin to the aesthetics found in well-designed homes. His approach suggests that luxury should not equate to splashy materials but rather to sophisticated design and practical elegance. Sanlorenzo actively embraces this cross-pollination of ideas by collaborating with architects and designers from outside the nautical industry, including notable names like Dordoni Architetti and Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. Ferruccio Rossi, former general manager and president of superyachts at Sanlorenzo, highlights that these collaborations introduce fresh perspectives and stylistic elements, transforming the conventional interpretation of interior yacht spaces. He notes that while initially challenging to integrate these diverse design philosophies with the complexities of yacht architecture and its relationship with the dynamic marine environment, the shared goal eventually fosters innovation and unique solutions. Lissoni asserts that these 'outsider' perspectives have fundamentally altered design norms in the yachting world, moving away from outdated traditions towards a more modern and airy aesthetic. *Virtuosity* is the second vessel in Sanlorenzo's 57Steel series, with an exterior designed by Zuccon International Project. Bernardo Zuccon describes the 57Steel as a harmonious balance between its internal content and external structure, featuring a rational and simple exterior that discreetly houses its substantial 1,021GT volume. The yacht's design includes slightly forward-raked windscreens and an almost straight bow, giving it an explorer-like appearance, while a long foredeck maintains a light and elegant profile. This exterior design philosophy complements Lissoni’s vision, blurring the lines between a yacht and a land-based villa, especially regarding the seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces, allowing occupants to experience a constantly changing panorama. Key features of *Virtuosity* exemplify this innovative design. The aft deck offers a luxurious outdoor space with a three-by-two-meter heated glass-bottomed pool, complete with massage jets and large sunpads. Symmetrical staircases lead to a expansive 110-square-meter beach club, which can be extended by folding down the transom and two side platforms. This area is enhanced by the interplay of light and shadow from the pool above, creating a serene ambiance. The beach club is equipped with a bar, water toys, and custom furniture, including a Bubble Rock sofa by Living Divani and a large Samsung flat-screen TV concealed behind a magic mirror. A Carrara marble-clad steam room and Technogym fitness equipment further enhance the wellness offerings. Lissoni's sculptural staircase, which connects the main and upper decks, is a standout feature, earning a Judge’s Commendation at the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards. This staircase, constructed from steel with composite and carbon fiber, is more than a functional element; Lissoni envisions it as a 'twilight zone' or an intermediate space. Although the owners requested a banister for safety during rough conditions, the staircase maintains its artistic integrity. The main saloon’s interior reflects Lissoni's preference for high-quality, commercially available furniture from renowned Italian brands like Cassina, Minotti, and B&B Italia, featuring bleached wood walls and ceilings, and Kerakoll cement resin floors. These choices prioritize durability and sophisticated design over custom, potentially less robust, artisan creations. The yacht's layout is designed for both private and charter use, allowing for flexible segmentation of public and private areas. The main deck features an owner’s cabin with a California king-sized bed, Dedar upholstery, and an en suite bathroom with polarized glass sliding doors. Additional cabins on the lower deck are similarly furnished. A significant alteration in *Virtuosity* compared to its sister ship, *Alma*, is the relocation of a second owner’s cabin to the upper deck, which includes a private deck with a spa pool and an office with a green screen for video calls. The upper saloon offers a reconfigurable Francesco Binfaré On the Rocks sofa and a circular dining table for 14. The flybridge, with its DJ console and bridge, completes the yacht’s sophisticated design, underscoring the success of Sanlorenzo's collaboration with outside designers in creating a 'new generation' vessel that blends architectural principles with yacht design. #SuperyachtDesign #YachtInteriors #PieroLissoni #Sanlorenzo #Virtuosity #NauticalArchitecture #LuxuryYacht #ZucconInternationalProject #CustomYacht #SuperyachtDesign #YachtInteriors #PieroLissoni #Sanlorenzo #Virtuosity #NauticalArchitecture #LuxuryYacht #ZucconInternationalProject #CustomYacht