Revolutionary application of Eckersley O’Callaghan’s structural glass experience in a marine environment, creating large format glazing able to withstand the forces exerted on it at sea.
The client, whose experience was in the built environment, provided a clear brief to use glass to its fullest potential within the marine environment. There was a desire to make large, structure free, glass walls enabling maximum visibility and openness rather than the traditional smaller ‘porthole’ window typology associated with larger ships.
We drew upon our extensive experience in large format glass and proposed to surround the pavilion deck by glass sheets 10 m long, slightly curved to the yachts lines and coated to provide a modicum of privacy while embracing the 360 views and maximising natural light.
Technically, the challenges involved designing the glass to substantially higher loads than those typically accommodated for in buildings.
This resulted in laminated glass that could resist significant loads. We also had to detail the glass to accommodate the significant movements resulting from the ship’s natural flex.
The challenge of the process of approvals and rules governing the yacht design world was met. We navigated this process successfully using our experience and design tools, along with a testing regime witnessed by Lloyds Register.
Since this project, we have been active in the yacht design world and invited to speak at industry conferences on the subject of glass in yacht design.
