You no longer have to hop on a jet to Thailand or Indonesia for the villa experience. Hong Kong interior architect and designer Steve Leung is partnering with Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo to create “floating villas,” transforming yachts into blissful zen experiences.
Focused on bringing an Asian aesthetic to the yachting world, Leung explains, “Yacht design has long been dominated by a Western lifestyle approach, which is very different from the way we live in Asia, especially in China.”
Leung and his eponymous firm, Steve Leung Design Group, have worked on significant properties internationally, from Atlantis The Palm in Dubai through to the Shangri-La hotel in London, located within the Shard. While many of their projects tend to be on solid ground, Leung first partnered with Sanlorenzo in 2016 on its SL106 yacht.
The partnership continues as he turns his eye to the shipyard’s Sport Explorer yacht range. Known as the SX line, the design group has reimagined the interiors of the SX88—a 27-metre yacht, which includes a striking flybridge, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and ample outdoor deck space for a barbecue.
Leung created two design schemes inspired by Asian lifestyles and culture, including the peaceful ‘Breeze Zen’ and warm-toned ‘Vermillion’ proposals. He says he wanted the designs to “reflect an international lifestyle with local cultural features, suitable for the needs of the Asian market.”
Both yacht interior schemes feature an open-plan layout, with a stunning round table dining area, with a coved ceiling as well as a lounge area filled with plush couches, foldable TV screens, and artistic details.
In the case of the ‘Breeze Zen’ scheme, a crystal chandelier hangs over the dining area while calming blue and cream tones fill the modern lounge. The ‘Vermillion’ scheme centres on muted red and golden tones, featuring an understated cherry blossom motif in the master bedroom and soft, curved furniture in the living area for a harmonious feeling.
Leung joins a roster of global Sanlorenzo design partners, including Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni as well Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. Mike Simpson, the managing director of Simpson Marine Group which represents Sanlorenzo in Asia, says of Leung, “Steve himself is a keen boater and this is clear to see in his ability to break the mould, yet at the same time, design a yacht that is beautiful and practical to use.”
