Imagine the most luxurious floating resort imaginable, a full 1,184 square feet of teak deck and passenger accommodations.
Then, make it a totally self-sufficient energy generator thanks to solar (photoelectrochemical) cells embedded in the lightweight yet strong balsa-reinforced shell, or hull.
That’s the Solar Floating Resort (SFR), a design concept featured on the Behance network and an eminently green way to spoil oneself without guilt.
Nonpolluting and completely in synch with its natural surroundings, the SFR is a luxury yacht/luxury hotel suite with an observation bubble entirely below the waterline to accommodate those vacationers who delight in watching or photographing dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and brilliantly colored species of fish.
Twenty meters (65.6 feet) long, and designed to accommodate six very, very comfortably, the SFR is ideal for docking in marinas connected to beachfront hotels, says designer Michele Puzzolante of Como, Italy.
Though why that would be desirable, given the luxurious accommodations aboard, is beyond us. Personally, I’d be inclined to park it 20 miles offshore, if only to enjoy the elaborate privacy of one of the two single bedrooms (or the two double bedrooms), each with its own carefully appointed bath.
When not enjoying the observation bubble or the comfort of superb sleeping arrangements, guests can cook in the spacious kitchen, eat in the sleekly modern dining area or just hang out in the lounge that leads to the pilot area, all in the purest Italian-style affluence.
Outside, a teak deck sports a semicircular lounge area, six individual day beds for tanning comfort, and a six-seat Jacuzzi. But the most memorable part of the SFR is the submerged observation bubble, which easily accommodates six armchairs and – like a tourist submarine – offers a 360-degree window on the ocean.
The most amazing part of the SFR is the part you won’t notice. Built using advanced construction techniques, this solar-powered floating resort utilizes industrial design principles instead of a traditional architectural approach, putting together cutting-edge materials, systems and methods that have been tested in automotive and naval construction.
The highlight of this design 2.0 paradigm is the fact that the SFR is a modular creation which can be shipped by ground, sea or air and assembled in situ in a matter of a few weeks – all this thanks to machine fabricating techniques and molding technology that insures uniformity of parts and helps reduce costs. Even better, the SFR is cozy, which can’t be said for the Soliloquy, a super-green solar-powered 190-foot superyacht we wrote about back in 2010.
