Luxe Toys - Yacht Design

Out of world

Njord by Bergman Design House spearheads a new era of sustainable superyacht design.

With an increased demand for exquisite design within the superyacht world, Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund founded Njord by Bergman Design House alongside Sarah Colbon, one of the most connected and knowledgeable women in yachting.

Njord by Bergman Design House is celebrating completing its latest project, a refit 56m Benetti Galaxy using the highest levels of eco-friendly design and technique. Galaxy was completed after a recordbreaking five-month refit. It now includes: a private nightclub, multi-sensory saloon, meditation and wellness space, a cinema room and private music studio, touch-andgo helipad, and a private party deck. WHEREVER sits down with Sarah Colbon who is making a big splash in the superyacht world!

What was the brief?

Galaxy’s concept came from our clients’ love of life, entertainment, and creativity. The love of out-of-world experiences and the Burning Man community, Galaxy was to become their very own spaceship. A platform that could be multifunctional, a place to celebrate life and become a permanent home for them.

Personally, my favourite feature is the ‘wow’ experience of the main salon that turns into a private nightclub. During the day, it serves as a place for meditation space and a lounge to gather friends and watch movies. It’s a

“Njord’s mission is to encapsulate the land, sea and air and work with the natural elements to bring their unique vision to life and, most importantly, make each project feel like home.”

“She is truly a marvel of design - she is a new yacht with an even bigger energy.”

very special place, one I’ve never experienced on a yacht before now. The art piece by Joseph Klibansky of The Thinker is the main inspiration for this space. Dylan Cole, whose work features in Disney blockbusters such as Avatar, designed the incredible wall covering. It is the first time he has ever worked on a yacht. With everything in the space created like a piece of art, it’s truly an out-of-world experience.

What sets the Galaxy superyacht apart?

Galaxy is no longer just another white superyacht gracing the ocean along the French Riviera, she has been transformed into the private owners’ own floating universe, a home which encapsulates their lifestyle and a design that has never been done before on board a yacht of this kind. Galaxy is now a destination, an entertainment platform, a design marvel that touches all your body’s senses and excites and embraces you with its energy during each step you take onboard.

How did you incorporate natural elements into the design?

Galaxy features a host of intriguing and functional finishes throughout. Beautiful stones and coloured glass create visual spectacles, whilst bespoke fabrics and veneers add to the yacht’s individual character. Natural components such as rock crystal and entirely sustainable textiles are used throughout. The wood used in the flooring was specifically chosen to simulate the sensation of waves beneath the feet and to heighten the senses. Every bespoke piece of furniture on board is made of natural materials, helping achieve the owners’ vision.

What challenges were faced?

Our main challenge was working through a pandemic, travelling when restrictions were on and trying to get suppliers to deliver on time during Brexit, but we got through all of this and she is truly a marvel of design - she is a new yacht with an even bigger energy.

Additional commentary on the project?

Galaxy took only five months to refit, as opposed to the usual 18 months. The refit was broken down into phases. This allowed the client enjoy their new yacht while Njord

“With a goal to complete the project within five months, this would be the shortest time frame in which any superyacht has ever undergone a refit.”

simultaneously worked their magic on the interior design. Phase one of the project saw the addition of new rugs, artwork, exterior seating, cushions and a general up-styling of the interior so the client could enjoy a summer season onboard whilst living in a space that felt more like home. This allowed the owner to live in the space and give feedback to Njord first-hand on which areas they found most comfortable and which they used less, all of which helped the second full refit phase.

Every piece placed on board during phase one flowed into phase two, ensuring nothing was wasted. Once the concept was agreed, a full interior refit of the main guest areas took place alongside exterior styling, giving the yacht a new lease of life. Together with the trust and can-do attitude of the owners, the Monaco Marine shipyard and the formidable crew, Galaxy has done just that.