British studio Foster + Partners has unveiled a megayacht concept with a unique engineering approach that allows for the creation of triple-height living spaces and promises to “push the boundaries of yacht design”.
Foster + Partners collaborated with naval architecture specialist Lateral on the design for the 88-metre Outlier I yacht, which was conceived as a showcase for the Monaco Yacht Show.
Foster + Partners has teamed up with Lateral to design Outlier I
The design’s key innovation is the relocation of the engine room towards the bow, which frees up space in the middle and aft sections for larger living areas with double and triple-height ceilings that can be naturally lit via floor-to-ceiling glazing.
It also gives Outlier I approximately 40 per cent more deck space than standard yachts in its category, according to the studio.
The yacht concept features a triple-height atrium
Foster + Partners set out to redefine the way megayachts are designed, allowing the vessel to offer features such as a swimming pool and helipad that, according to senior partner Adam Newburn, are often reserved for 90-metre-plus gigayachts.
“We are pushing the boundaries of yacht design, reimagining guest spaces and adjacencies to offer a completely new way of living on the water,” Newburn explained.
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In most large yachts, the engine room is located toward the centre of the vessel, creating a barrier between guest spaces on either side. Moving the engine forward allows the entire aft portion to be used for accommodation and social spaces.
Visualisations created by the studio show a faceted hull design with an angled section of glazing allowing daylight to flood into a central atrium.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing provides natural lighting
The triple-height space contains a lounge and dining area, with a glass lift and spiral staircase that lead up to further social areas, including a bar and a private deck on the top level.
The yacht also features a full-length service spine on the tank deck that incorporates storage and circulation. According to the studio, this spine helps improve connectivity for guests and crew both horizontally and vertically.
The concept was presented at the Monaco Yacht Show
Outlier is the latest nautical project from Foster + Partners, following the 40 Signature Series for YachtPlus and a 20-metre cruising yacht for Alen Yacht.
The studio, founded in 1967 by architect Norman Foster, works globally on projects ranging from architecture and urbanism to engineering and design.
Ahead of Foster’s 90th birthday earlier this year, Dezeen interviewed fellow architects, critics and Foster himself to learn how he became the world’s most successful architect.
The 2025 Monaco Yacht Show took place from 24 to 27 September in Port Hercule, Monaco. See Dezeen Events Guide for more design events and exhibitions around the world.