Nauta Design
The new Zattera 24m started with ideas from Renzo Piano and Olav Selvaag. Nauta Design and Francesco Rogantin conceived the idea, and Siemens Energy created its propulsion system. Inspired by the dream of a life at sea in spiritual stillness and harmony with the natural environment, Zattera, which means raft in Italian, is more of a means of enjoying life at sea than a yacht. Constructed from solid yet durable wood, its design is compact and modern with clean and straight hull lines. The boat is currently under construction at Castagnola Yacht in Lavagna, Italy.
The idea behind Zattera is to follow the sound of the sea, sail slowly: a space of serenity and peace at sea. The original idea came from Renzo Piano and Olav Selvaag, Nauta Design and Francesco Rogantin created the shape, and Siemens Energy created its propulsion system. Pure and simple are the words that best define Zattera’s inspiration. These are achieved through a design featured with a raft-like low freeboard and wide beams.
Gianni Berengo Gardin
The fundamental aspects of the project are to maximize tranquility and minimize noise pollution. The relatively light Zattera with a displacement hull can travel at 12 knots with a cruising speed of 10.5 knots. The Siemens Energy hybrid propulsion system is fundamental in reducing emissions, and careful attention is paid to eliminating vibration and sound pollution in the surroundings. The Zattera has a lithium-ion battery and can navigate in silent mode using only electrical power.
The train’s propulsion and hotel functions run on two 180 kW variable RPM diesel generators and a 95kWh battery pack connected to a 700 Volt continuous delivery system. The diesel generator was developed by Mase Generators for Siemens Energy with the intention of using the Volvo Penta D4-300 engine using variable speed technology with a permanent magnet generator to minimize consumption and emissions. Zattera features a traditional shaft drive that runs via a 135kw twin permanent magnet motor directly connected to the shaft without a frequency converter to increase system efficiency and further reduce sound and vibration caused by rotation. .
Gianni Berengo Gardin
The generators are installed on a double anti-vibration pad, an unusual measure taken on this ship and one that underscores its call to reduce noise pollution. The same care and attention is given to soundproofing the generator housing and the entire engine room. Even the underwater exhaust system is being thoroughly tested for soundproofing. Solar panels will also be mounted on Zattera for zero-cost renewable energy generation. These systems are purposefully designed to allow Zattera considerable autonomy during navigation and during hotel mode use.
The Castagnola Shipyard built the hull, deck and superstructure of solid wood that has been treated with silica-blended epoxy resin for optimum adhesion and marine grade plywood. The unusual hull shape forms a beam of keel and a cold-molded iroko keel that grows towards the bow. Given the specific shape of the bow, all of the wood planks in that area are handcrafted using five different layers that are crossed over each other. All frames are in solid ash, while the hull planks are in marine grade plywood. The deck is made of lightweight marine-grade okoune, while the internal structural bulkheads are rubber-lined and cork-lined to insulate against vibrations and sound.
The interior layout reveals the owner and the two guest cabins at the front as the showroom, crew area and engine room at the rear, while the style is refined, clean and simple while the height is high. The ceiling is spacious. The saloon on the lower deck is directly connected to the sunroof via a symmetrical staircase. Natural light floods in from the large skylight located in the center of the restaurant. The deck is at the same height as the water, so you feel like you’re walking on water while in the boat!
