Studio Ahead decks out suite aboard world's "largest private residential yacht"

San Francisco-based Studio Ahead has completed the interiors of a suite on board massive private yacht The World, which had to be installed in stages as it sailed from port to port.

Studio Ahead was approached by a client – a "pioneering biotech bon vivante" – about a unique proposal to outfit one of 165 residences on The World, a private residential yacht that operates like a condominium complex.

Detail of cabinets in an all-green fibreglass kitchen — The suite aboard The World includes an all-green fibreglass kitchen

"After several years having a lakeside vacation home in Tahoe, our client needed a change," said the studio.

"She loved her current getaway and living next to the water, but she wanted to travel – to move around, but be in place."

A custom-made bookshelf featuring a large John Gnorski sliding panel that hides a television and bar — A custom-made bookshelf features a large John Gnorski sliding panel that hides a television and bar

Launched in 2002 and touted as "the largest private residential yacht on Earth", the 644-foot (196-metre) vessel sails around the world on a predetermined itinerary, and residents can embark or alight at any stop along the route.

The suites, which are no larger than 3,000 square feet (280 square metres) and have a set number of windows, can be designed by their owners however they please.

A fish-bone chair by Florence Provencer against a custom bookshelf — A fish-bone chair by Florence Provencer was soucred from Bruises Gallery

Studio Ahead chose to "rebel against the white-on-white or nautical theme one might expect of a ship traveling the world," said co-founders Homan Rajai and Elena Dendiberia.

"The space needed to be down-to-earth and feel like home, like a beloved summerhouse, because our client is also a proud matriarch who loves to host her mom and daughters and grandchildren."

A goatskin dining table by Karl Springer paired with walnut chairs by Hagerman Studios — A goatskin dining table by Karl Springer pairs with walnut chairs by Hagerman Studios

The overarching concept combines soft colours and shapes, rich textiles, and dark walnut furniture for contrast.

"We emphasised light and air to take advantage of the ever-changing sea glimmer outside," said the studio. "In such a small space, we used welcoming forms and rounded edges no one would be afraid to bump into."

Studio Ahead's Sheep bed and ottoman sit beside a large oceanscape painting

The all-green kitchen was crafted from fibreglass in collaboration with Vavo Projects, the first time it has used the material outside sculptural furniture.

The stove, fridge and dishwasher are all concealed behind the panels, while multi-tonal Moroccan tiles in shades of sea green form the backsplash.

Primary bedroom closet with rounded walnut outlines — The primary bedroom closet's walnut outlines are rounded to prevent bumps at sea

In the dining room, there's "nothing you'd be afraid to dent", including walnut chairs by Hagerman Studio placed around a goatskin table by Karl Springer.

Chair cushions were commissioned from Llane Alexis, an artist who works with textile artisans and weavers in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Walnut bathroom vanity surrounded by pearl-toned Moroccan tiles — More rounded walnut appears across the bathroom vanity front, surrounded by pearl-toned Moroccan tiles

A fish-bone chair by Florence Provencher-Proulx and a vintage, boucle-covered Italian sofa furnish the living area, set against a bespoke storage and display unit that covers a full wall.

"Our custom-made bookshelf, with a large John Gnorski sliding panel that hides a television and bar, is the obvious centrepiece," said Studio Ahead.

Studio Ahead's Sheep bed and matching ottoman, made in collaboration with Sonoma-based JG Switzer, sit in the primary bedroom beside a large painting of an ocean vista sourced from Mexico City.

The walnut accents of a standing closet are echoed in the bathroom vanity, accompanied by more Moroccan tiles in tones of pearl and sea foam.

Soft shapes and colours used in a guest bedroom — Soft shapes and colours are used throughout the yacht suite

Since the ship is constantly moving, the project had to be installed and completed in several parts in various locations.

A review of the full design specifications occurred on land in Vienna, while the full installation on board happened in Cadiz – during one of The World's month-long stops that occur every three years for general maintenance.

The initial furniture installation took place in Montreal and was then finished off in Boston. Photography was taken in Cape Town.

Neutral toned bedroom vignette with a lozenge-shaped sconce, cork side table and sheep wool headboard — The combinations of hues and textures are a "rebellion" against the white-on-white or nautical aesthetics typical used on ships

Studio Ahead's previous projects include a Williamsburg wine bar and a San Francisco bistro with a DJ booth.

Another yacht cabin interior featured on Dezeen has a minimalist aesthetic courtesy of Norm Architects, which decked out the 20-metre-long luxury vessel with an array of warm and tactile materials.

The photography is by Inge Prins.

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