Pied-à-Mer Yacht Interior by Michael K. Chen Architecture.

Living on the sea is a dream for many and a reality for few. Inspired by the modernist aesthetic, this luxury apartment is nestled aboard the world’s largest residential yacht. Designed as a holiday home for a couple and their adult children, the space is spread over only 55 square meters but the convertible, multifunctional layout — with disappearing tables and beds, hidden lighting and integrated appliances — allows for many possibilities. According to architect Michael K. Chen, the space is characterized by the “streamlining and smoothening of its functional dimensions”.

Upon entering the apartment, the bright foyer opens to a broad wall of ocean-facing glass. This leads to the private terrace flanked by two separate, ribbed aluminium pod-like volumes, each containing private bath and storage areas while organizing the other spaces, including but not limited to a kitchen, sitting area, dining room — which can be converted into a second bedroom via a fold-up bed — master bedroom and trunk room. Through the interior architecture and design, which Chen playfully dubbed “pied-à-mer”, the architect created a sense of movement and spaciousness.

A fascination with nautical design — optimized for small-scale living, modular organization and efficiency — was at the heart of the project. Among Chen’s main sources of inspiration were Le Corbusier’s belief that a home should be regarded as a “machine for living” and his interest in cruise ships as models for self-sufficient, utopian apartment complexes, such as his Unité d’Habitation (completed in 1952); Gio Ponti’s work on cruise ships and ocean liners; and the use of earthy materials against smooth surfaces by Eileen Gray in E-1027, the iconic villa situated in the south of France.

“The aesthetic and conceptual presence of the machine exists in the form of the hard industrial materials against the counterpoint of softer finishes and furniture, as well as in the actual engineering of custom mechanisms”, Chen says. The extruded, continuous aluminium ribs — referring to chromed tubular steel — help conceal panel divisions, doors and appliances, and contribute to the play between natural and artificial light.

“Rounded forms, tough but elegant materials, translucency, reflectivity and tactility were important to us”, says Chen. “We wanted the furnishings to make it clear that you are on a seafaring vessel, but primarily through materiality and subtle details — soft forms, crisp edges, and a balance of heft and lightness.”

Contemporary and vintage pieces in natural materials and rich colours — such as Wittmann’s Vuelta sofa by Jaime Hayon custom-upholstered in high-performance velvet by Holland & Sherry, and the vintage saddle leather and stainless steel lounge chairs by Pierre Thielen sourced from dealers in Holland — balance with cool blue and grey custom elements.

Offering the highest level of comfort, this unique holiday home is an invitation to enjoy the vast horizons, and beautiful views of sea and land beyond, in a relatively small yet ultra-functional and stylish space with surprises in and around every corner.

[Images courtesy of Michael K. Chen Architecture. Photography by Alan Tansey.]