Copenhagen-based studio Norm Architects makes its foray into the yachting world with an understated design defined by its ample use of dark wood and tactile layers
Based in Copenhagen, Norm Architects is a Danish studio known for combining minimalist style with a refined and functional approach. Its streamlined aesthetic has been gracefully translated into the interior architecture of the 70ft (21.3m) yacht Bella, the first of the Y Yachts Y7 models manufactured by German boat builder Michael Schmidt Yachtbau.
The result is a warm and cosy ambience expressed through tactile surfaces, natural materials and matte finishes, with the walls, lighting, detailing and furnishings coming together in beautiful visual harmony. Katrine Goldstein, managing director and partner of the studio, tells us more about the firm’s inaugural yachting project.
This is the first time that Norm Architects has worked with the yachting world. How did this collaboration begin?
Katrine Goldstein (KG) Michael Schmidt (the owner of Michael Schmidt Yachtbau) wanted to create a beautiful Nordic interior, a home on a boat. I trust that is the reason why we were assigned to the project and not a regular boat interior designer—he wanted something different. He took a chance on us in that way.
Tell us about your approach to this project.
KG Our values, or approach, are always the same and act as a common ground for everything we do. They are based entirely on the idea that spaces and furniture should, first and foremost, serve the user rather than be a means of artistic expression. This is what we call “soft minimalism”. It is about finding the very essence of form through a soft, warm and textural design language. I would argue that both elegance and comfort are crucial for us.
We see our design as sustainable as we seek to work with materials that are aesthetically long-lasting and, of course, age beautifully. Considering the size of all elements, capacity of storage, as well as the actual weight of materials, did play a vital role. However, our primary role and value on this project was to stay true to our approach and aesthetics, and not do what is usually expected in this business.
See also: Sandra and Julian Chang: The One Thing First-Time Yacht Buyers Should Do