Having been approached in 2015 by one of China's leading property development firms, New World Developments, Vitruvius Yachts has shared more information on the project. With 983 residential units across two towers, The Pavilia Bay project is a cosmic scale for Philippe Briand and the Vitruvius Yachts team, however, there is one aspect of the project that makes this an interesting case study for the superyacht industry – the project is entirely based on sailing yacht design.

New World Developments were looking to develop an ‘innovative two-level Clubhouse at the heart of the building, providing a social space where residents could come together and fully enjoy the waterside setting overlooking the Rambler Channel and Ting Kau Bridge.’

Briand and his team were selected by New World Development’s executive vice-chairman and joint general manager, Dr Adrien Cheng Chi-Kong after he admired Briand-designed superyachts including 50m Exuma and 73m Grace E, and reportedly felt that the designer would be the perfect fit for the project. Interestingly, it was primarily sailing yacht designs that inspired the development’s styling and ‘superyacht’ finish.

“Every new development in Hong Kong has to have a big social area. So, what we developed what we call ‘the podium’, which is a social space made to look like the hull of a boat.”

- Veerle Battiau, Vitruvius Yachts general manager

“Every new development in Hong Kong has to have a big social area,” explains Vitruvius Yachts general manager, Veerle Battiau. “So, what we developed what we call ‘the podium’, which is a social space made to look like the hull of a boat.” The podium facade is constructed from 75 tons of steel, with 650 bespoke plates welded together and painted white to give a superyacht touch.

“We also put water at the foot of the podium, complete with spotlights to look like a hull in with underwater lighting,” continues Battiau. Furthermore, the railings on the upper levels of the waterfront development are lit like those of a yacht to enhance the overall illusion.

As the developer didn’t want to use any endangered woods in the project in the interest of environmental protection, Vitruvius used Esthec decking in the clubhouse, which is called the Blu Pavilion. The Clubhouse also features music teaching rooms, a wellness space, (including a massage room, gym and sauna) and places for entertaining visitors and children’s play areas.

“Due to the size of the flats we had to put ‘function rooms’ into the development, which was in the theme of carbon,” says Battiau. “In the culture, it is a good thing if you can invite a cook within the same space, so we have added that in to the spaces as well.”

“The Pavilia Bay is an extremely rewarding project for us at Vitruvius. Working with Dr Cheng with his talented and enthusiastic team has been a wonderful collaborative experience. What has been particularly satisfying is knowing that we have been able to bring to many people what is only usually available to the ‘happy few’, the ability to enjoy a superyacht living space, only this time on land.”

- Veerle Battiau, Vitruvius Yachts general manager

It’s one thing to take the idea of a luxury yacht and apply it to interior design, but this is an example of taking the brief literally, and incorporating superyacht styling into as much of the development as possible. Vitruvius have included an array of yachting design cues, such as the carbon fibre mast, pieces by renowned yacht photographer Guillaume Plisson and yacht club flags on the resident’s mailboxes. “Every single mailbox for the residents has a flag on it, which links to a yacht club somewhere around the world,” says Battiau. “I was fascinated as that was difficult with over 900 different yacht clubs around the world.”

The astounding success of the design and the development itself meant that 900 apartments within Pavilia Bay were sold over two weekends.

“The Pavilia Bay is an extremely rewarding project for us at Vitruvius,” concludes Battiau. “Working with Dr Cheng with his talented and enthusiastic team has been a wonderful collaborative experience. What has been particularly satisfying is knowing that we have been able to bring to many people what is only usually available to the ‘happy few’, the ability to enjoy a superyacht living space, only this time on land.”

The Superyacht Design Forum 2019 will take place on 25 & 26 June 2019 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Like this project, the event will look beyond just superyacht design spheres and turn to other industries that can prompt fresh and exciting discussions, following the theme 'An External Perspective'. To register and to find out more, click here.

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