Conventionally, yacht projects are commissioned by owners who seek unique integration solutions specific to their own wants and needs. However, the client for this project, semi-custom yacht builder, Gulfcraft, posed a unique challenge for Archimedia by requiring a bespoke technology system that was designed for no specific end user. Archimedia was set a brief to design and install an integration system which adds value to the yacht, and can be expanded and customised by the future owner if desired.
Working closely with Gulfcraft throughout the project also required Archimedia to balance the budget to ensure the value of the yacht is enhanced, whilst adhering to project constraints, including external deadlines and very tightly controlled production and quality processes.
Unlike residential projects, an integration system installed on a yacht requires paramount reliability and ease of use to avoid service needs whilst the yacht is at sea. To facilitate this, Archimedia opted for a Savant control and AV distribution system. The Savant HST-SMRTD-00 processor provides high-level automation, AV switching and administers all control functions throughout the yacht, whilst Kordz HDBaseT extenders were used for HDMI transmission over Cat-6 cable. The main user interface is controlled via iPads on top of a robust wireless network from Ubiquiti to ensure the whole system is user-friendly, limiting any post-production service calls.
As typical with many yacht installation projects, Archimedia was faced not only with technical challenges, but also had to overcome a number of design obstacles. The main concern was the sense of confinement in this generously sized yacht. Archimedia maximised the available space in the bedrooms by installing mirror TVs. Blending this innovative technology into the yacht’s design also allowed Archimedia to create more light in the hull, employing clever light tricks to give the illusion of a larger space.
Available AV sources across the project include satellite receivers and Apple TVs with a Sonos CONNECT system to seamlessly integrate all audio throughout the yacht. To ensure audio can be heard on the deck, marine-grade outdoor speakers from Sonance were discreetly installed. Inside the yacht, high quality audio, courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins, were positioned in the ceiling for excellent audio quality without disturbing the sleek interior design. Unlike residential projects, an integration system installed on a yacht requires paramount reliability and ease of use to avoid service needs whilst the yacht is at sea.
The yacht’s navigation and management systems are integrated into the AV system to allow occupants to monitor the yacht’s location and status at any moment. An Ihiji remote monitoring system allows complete visibility of the installed systems wherever the yacht is located.
Despite not having the freedom of designing for a known end user, Archimedia succeeded in maximising the potential of available technology, enhancing the audio-visual experience, and enabling full automation within the yacht, all customised to fit the needs of any future owner of the yacht.
Sun Deck 4 x Sonance VP65R XT Bow Ceiling speaker 2 x Sonance VP65R XT Aft Lounge Ceiling speaker 2 x Sonance VP65R XT Wheel House Ceiling speaker 2 x B&W CCM362 Ceiling speaker 1 x Ubiquity AP ENTERPRISE AP wifi system 1 x Apple iPad Mini 2nd Gen. with retina 16GB 1 x HDMI over CAT6 Receiver
Main Saloon 1 x Samsung UA65F8000 65" Smart Full HD LED Television 5 x B&W CCM362 Ceiling speaker 2 x Kordz PLX-HDB.1 HDMI Extender Over Single CAT6 1 x Samsung BD-H4500 Blu-ray Disk Player 1 x Apple iPad Mini 2nd Gen. with retina 16GB 1 x Ubiquity AP ENTERPRISE AP wifi system 1 x Sonance A800 woofer amplifier 230V Subwoofer Amplifier 1 x Sonance VP85RW – ROUND Ceiling Subwoofer
Owner’s Cabin 5 x B&W CCM362 Ceiling speaker 2 x Kordz PLX-HDB.1 HDMI Extender over single CAT6 1 x Samsung BD-H4500 Blu-ray Disk Player 1 x Apple iPad Mini 2nd Gen. with retina 16GB 1 x Sonance A800 woofer amplifier 230V 1 Subwoofer Amplifier 1 x Sonance VP85RW – ROUND Ceiling Subwoofer 1 x Platinum Vision PMT550 - 1800 X 1400 55” Mirror TV
Double Guest Cabin 1 1 x Platinum Vision PMT320 - 1200 X 1200 32'' Mirror TV 1 x B&W CCM664SR Stereo Ceiling Speaker 2 x Kordz PLX-HDB.1 HDMI Extender Over Single CAT6 1 x Samsung BD-H4500 Blu-Ray Disk Player 1 x Apple iPad Mini 2nd Gen. with retina 1 x Ubiquity AP Enterprise AP Wi-fi System
Double Guest Cabin 2 1 x Platinum Vision PMT320 - 1200 X 1200 32'' Mirror TV 1 x B&W CCM664SR Stereo Ceiling Speaker 2 x Kordz PLX-HDB.1 HDMI Extender Over Single CAT6 1 x Samsung BD-H4500 Blu-ray Disk Player 1 x Apple iPad Mini 2nd Gen. with retina
Twin Guest Cabin 1 1 x Platinum Vision PMT320 - 1200 X 1200 32'' Mirror TV 1 x B&W CCM664SR Stereo Ceiling Speaker 2 x Kordz PLX-HDB.1 HDMI Extender Over Single CAT6 1 x Samsung BD-H4500 Blu-Ray Disk Player 1 x Apple iPad Mini 2nd Gen. with retina 1 x Ubiquity AP Enterprise AP Wi-fi System
Twin Guest Cabin 2 1 x Platinum Vision PMT320 - 1200 X 1200 32'' Mirror TV 1 x B&W CCM664SR Stereo Ceiling Speaker 2 x Kordz PLX-HDB.1 HDMI Extender Over Single CAT6 1 x Samsung BD-H4500 Blu-ray Disk Player 1 x Apple iPad Mini 2nd Gen. with retina
Crew Lounge 1 x Toshiba 24P2305-E 24” LED TV 1 x Humax IR3000HD Satellite Receiver 1 x Samsung BD-H4500 Blu-ray Disk Player
Head End 1 x Sonance SONAMP 1230 Multi-Channel Amplifier 8 x Sonos CONNECT Digital Music Player 6 x Apple APPLE TV 3G Digital Media Receiver 6 x Humax IR3000HD Satellite Receiver 3 x Integra DTR-40.6 7.2 A/V Receiver 1 x Apple MAC Mini 2.3GHZ Desktop Computer 1 x Savant HST-SMRTD-00 Processor 1 x Savant RCK-3000-01 1u Rack Shelf 4 x Savant SSC-0008-00 Smartcontrol 8 1 x Cisco SG200-50P 48 Ports Switch 1 x Draytek VIGOR2850 Router Firewall 1 x Wd MY BOOK 1T Extra 1TB Memory Space 1 x Middle Atlantic ERK-2725-CONFIG System Rack with Accessories 1 x Middle Atlantic ERK-2725-CONFIG System Rack with Accessories