Hareide's 108m mega yacht gets back to nature

Hareide Design has released renderings of its futuristic hybrid 108m mega yacht concept designed to embrace nature and the elements rather than cocoon you from the real world. The open-air design is akin to a ship-sized centre console or walkaround and we like it — at least in calm weather.

The Norwegian industrial design studio says it wanted to "shift the focus from extrovert admiration to creating a platform for actively experiencing the beauty of nature and the changing elements." Designer wet-weather gear is a given, we guess.

Established by former design director at SAAB Automobile, Einar Hareide, Hareide Design says today's mega yachts are most often designed like floating luxury hotels with glitzy interiors. Clearly, they wanted to change all that and get back to nature.

An elevated dining and viewing area, a tranquil garden surrounding a 20m pool and a seamless transition to the water at the stern are key features intended to offer a completely new and exciting experience on board.

Although at concept stage, the multi-functional space of the grand hall is said to give an unprecedented view and contact with the surrounding nature. Dancing on teetering decks and fighting your way through spume could be part of the fun beyond the Med'.

The ship is based on a classic 108m monohull with the unique combination of elegance and modernity of Scandinavian design.

An expansive 300 square metres of high efficiency solar panels charging banks of lithium-ion batteries are intended to provide the ship with sustainable energy and enough power for slow cruising along quiet shorelines.

For longer distance and higher speed you also have the option for diesel-electric propulsion. If visitors call, well, the helipad comes in handy. Place your order at Hareide Design, see www.hareidedesign.com/108m-mega-yacht.