Creative Minds, Francesco Paszkowski Design (12)

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[ CREATIVE MINDS: FRANCESCO PASZKOWSKI DESIGN ]

by Samuela Urbini

A QUESTION OF PROPORTIONS

Francesco Paszkowski’s designs reflect perfect formal equilibrium, with wonderfully clean lines and architectural consistency between interiors and exteriors. These aesthetic qualities can all be found on the new Custom Line 120, the Italian yard’s first planing yacht 72

A skilful use of contrasting materials and colours for the light and dark windows emphasises the taut lines displayed by this powerful craft. Its attractive essentiality is embodied in even the smallest details, like the light retractable bimini that shelters the relaxation area with hydromassage pool

A

n ability to hear and also intuit clients’ needs combined with an expert knowledge of all the processes involved in producing a yacht underpin the success of the studio founded in Florence in 1990 by

Francesco Paszkowski. “In a rapidly evolving context, like the nautical sector, your own experience is never enough,” explains Paszkowski, who has worked with the heavy-hitting Italian and international yards, including Baglietto, Heesen Yachts and Sanlorenzo. “The yard’s own history, the work of the people involved in building the boat, from the commission to the launch, close communication on the part of the builder’s technical department, the owner and the design studio are all fundamental to the design process.”

Paszkowski started out working with his father, Giovanni, and the great Pierluigi Spadolini. “When I first got the chance to design boats in 1986, the desire to express myself was stronger than anything else,” says the Milan-born designer who put down roots in Florence long ago. In the intervening 30 or so years, he has produced production and custom

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[ CREATIVE MINDS ] fibreglass and aluminium planing and displacement yachts, initially penning only the exteriors. By 1996 he had, however, broadened his scope to include interiors as demand was growing for “all-in” designs.

This 360-degree philosophy is brilliantly epitomised by the Custom Line 120, the planing yacht Paszkowski created for Custom Line.

The yard wanted him to do two things: the first was to restyle the line without breaking brand continuity, and the second was to improve contact with the sea.

“We wanted to give the hull a sleek, powerful profile: taut lines running from stem to stern, creating a thrilling alternation of white structural surfaces and dark glass,” says the designer. “One major innovation is the superstructure which is raised with respect to the main deck. The floor-to-ceiling side windows turn the saloon into a panoramic terrace offering unparalleled views,” he continues.

“The slightly curved side windows combined with the elimination of the gunwale in front of the saloon and master suite enhance the feeling of being even closer to the water.”

The layout of the interiors, which were co-created with Margherita Casprini, is inspired by luxury domestic settings, a good example being the support columns which incorporate the lighting, audio

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The main salon is a large open space with light, bright curtains that become an essential element in the division – but not separation – of the spaces. Huge full height windows and the absence of a gunwale transforms the salon into a panoramic sea terrace

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[ CREATIVE MINDS ]

The full beam owner’s cabin.

Below, the foldaway angled window totally breaks down the barriers between interiors and exteriors

and air-con systems. Another is the single open-plan space in which

on the upper deck has a bimini for shade. This cleverly disappears into

curtains are used as dividers, rather than clearly separating the various

the hard top and is supported by two struts which also lower back into

zones. A large angled swathe of glazing separates the saloon from the

the deck/superstructure.

cockpit and opens up, yielding a large inside-outside area designed as

New technical solutions and the interior and the design of the

a teak-trimmed lounge furnished in the style of the interiors. Particular

exterior lines are closely integrated as seamless components of a

attention was also lavished on the exterior areas, which have long been

single architectural design in which form and function are brilliantly

a signature of the brand. The relaxation area with a hydromassage pool

balanced. In typical Francesco Paszkowski Design style.

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