112' ketch Signe

112’ Ketch Signe was a collaboration between Naval Architect Bruce King and Joseph Artese who designed the interior and sky lighting.

The owner’s brief called for an “Eclectic interior that ranged from traditional to contemporary with ‘surprises’ in every room and an abundance of natural lighting”.

To achieve this end, Artese used almost 70 exotic, gem-like skylights, opening hatches and flush dioptic deadlights to illuminate the interior.

“I wanted the Owners to be able to see the majestic rig from every vantage point below decks”.

This unprecedented use of sky lighting as an art form helped Signe win the recognition of both the International Superyacht Society and the Showboats Design Awards.

Designer Notes (pdf)

112' ketch Signe

Signe’s stern. “In my estimation, Bruce King produces the sweetest lines of any Naval Architect past or present.”

112' ketch Signe

Signe’s Salon looking aft. In dining mode, coffee table is transformed to seat a party of eight.

112' ketch Signe

Signe’s Salon looking forward. Note jewel like skylight, custom fireplace and curved louvered cabinetry. Joinerwork is of koa wood and bird’s eye maple.

112' ketch Signe

Signe’s Salon looking forward. Note plant under strategically placed, through deck natural light as well as bronze inlay in coffee table, cabin and seat fascias.

112' ketch Signe

Signe’s wood burning fireplace was designed as a custom bronze casting with nickel inlay and is set within a field of absolute black granite.

This piece was deliberately not gold plated as the owner felt that the crew should have
at least one piece of bronze work to polish on a daily basis.

112' ketch Signe

 

Signe’s electrical panel in passageway leading aft to Owner’s Stateroom.

112' ketch Signe

Sketch illustrates unique concept of mizzen mast rising through owner’s skylight with dramatic fall of natural light all about. About a hundred drawings were prepared for the client and yard.

112' ketch Signe

Owner’s Cabin looking forward, 80’ tall mizzen mast passes through skylight and slab of granite on its way to the keel.

112' ketch Signe

Only on Signe does the mighty mizzen rise through the skylight like a tree through a forest canopy! The radials transfer the loading out to the deck beams.

112' ketch Signe

Faceted gem-like mizzen skylight. Note controls on deck at base.

112' ketch Signe

Owner’s Stateroom looking aft. Companionway leads to Cockpit.

112' ketch Signe

Owner’s Stateroom looking to port. Note massive polished bronze mizzen chain plates and bronze inlay in seat and cabin fascias.

112' ketch Signe

Signe’s cabin top has multiple opening hatches. Artese wanted the majestic rig to be visible from all vantage points below decks.

112' ketch Signe

Signe’s layout, GA and elevations. Note sculptural approach to plan. International Superyacht Society and the Showboats Design Awards.