(DailyExpertNews) — Giant superyachts have long been called “floating skyscrapers”, but this new innovative concept from studio Rodriguez Design has taken that idea to a whole new level.
Malena is 110 meters long and is designed in the style of a high-rise apartment building, with a symmetrical superstructure consisting of balconies extending on either side of the decks and in the middle.
Constructed from steel and aluminum, the vessel will be equipped with huge outdoor areas to encourage outdoor living, as well as a hydraulic swim platform that will provide easy access to the ocean.
Skyscraper at sea
A representation of the Malena concept, which has a central balcony system that resembles a luxury residential building.
Rodriguez Design
Designer Josh Rodriguez, founder of Rodriguez Design, says he drew inspiration from various architectural structures to develop Malena, taking an “architectural approach” rather than that of a more traditional yacht design.
“With the side balcony system, we wanted to create the feeling of being on a super-luxury skyscraper,” explains Rodriguez. “Wherever the yacht is docked or moored, the city gets a new addition to the skyline.”
Aside from the “sleek and sharp profile”, Malena has some impressive onboard amenities, including two infinity pools, and will accommodate up to 24 guests in its 11 staterooms, including six VIP staterooms on the main deck.
Tight profile
The designers chose an “architectural approach” rather than traditional yacht design when designing Malena.
Rodriguez Design
The upper deck has a dining area large enough for 24 guests, a lounge area and a helipad.
Access to the owner’s deck can be blocked off via a set of sliding doors to allow for as much privacy as possible, but those invited have access to a Jacuzzi tub and huge sundeck. There is also an onboard sundeck with another Jacuzzi, as well as a bar.
As for its engine, Malena will be powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, with a top speed of 18 knots and an estimated range of 6,000 nautical miles on a 12 knot cruise.
Hybrid engine
The ship’s sundeck is equipped with a Jacuzzi and a bar.
Rodriguez Design
“The difference between a diesel-electric hybrid system and a traditional axle-line arrangement is that in a diesel-electric arrangement, the propulsion can come from azipods, or rotating propellers that can rotate 360 degrees,” Rodriguez tells DailyExpertNews.
“The power for these azipods comes from electricity, not directly from the engine itself. This electricity is generated by alternators connected to diesel generators.
“These generators can be placed anywhere on the yacht, not necessarily in the typical engine room position, and can be further isolated from noise and vibration, creating a very smooth yacht.”
According to Rodriguez, Malena is already getting interest from customers and shipyards and further discussions are underway.
While the project is still in early development, he estimates bringing the superyacht to life will likely cost more than €350 million (about $396 million).
Although the process of engineering, construction and delivery of the vessel would take between three and four years ‘under normal circumstances’, the demand for superyachts is currently greater than ever.
high demand
Designer Josh Rodriguez estimates that it will cost more than 350 million euros to bring Malena to life.
Rodriguez Design
“Shipyards are extremely busy right now, with delivery dates as of 2025 (the earliest) and raw materials becoming more expensive, delayed or cancelled,” he tells DailyExpertNews Travel. “With the current situation, it is very difficult to guess.”
The Malena concept is one of a number of awe-inspiring superyacht designs unveiled over the past year as the popularity of larger ships continues to grow due to the increasing number of billionaires emerging around the world along with the impact of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, German shipyard Lurssen debuted a zero-emission superyacht concept inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland” at the Monaco Yacht Show in May.
Top Image Credit: Rodriguez Design