Zaha Hadid Designs Revolutionary Hydrogen Refueling Station for Sustainable Boating

Zaha Hadid Architects, renowned for pushing the boundaries of architectural design, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking project in collaboration with NatPowerH—a subsidiary of the NatPower group. The NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station is poised to become the world’s first green hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and it’s specifically tailored for Italy’s boating industry. With plans to deploy 100 stations across the Mediterranean in the next six years, this ambitious project aims to address environmental concerns and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from recreational boats.

Designers: Zaha Hadid Architects and NatPower H

At the helm of this initiative is NatPower H, a pioneering global developer of innovative technologies for the production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen. The €100 million investment will kickstart the installation of the green hydrogen infrastructure in the summer of 2024, with a vision to establish 100 refueling stations throughout the Mediterranean by 2030.

The NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station spans 50 square meters and stands out for its commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources. Through a combination of wind, solar, and other sustainable technologies, the station generates hydrogen while emitting only water vapor and warm air—making it a trailblazer in eco-friendly hydrogen production.

Zaha Hadid Architects has designed the NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station with a focus on scalability, sustainability, and safety. The modular nature of the station allows it to adapt to diverse locations across the Mediterranean. This adaptability ensures that each refueling station can be customized based on specific location needs, such as seating arrangements, pedestrian turnover, size, and facilities for bike charging.

In terms of construction, the NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station incorporates innovative 3D robotic material placement. This technology enables the creation of fully recyclable, dry-assembled masonry, minimizing construction waste. The design draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the striated structures and fluid geometries inherent in Mediterranean landscapes and marine ecosystems.

The circular construction of the refueling stations aligns with NatPower H’s commitment to circularity and the preservation of marine ecosystems. Through the use of low-carbon concrete generated through geometric design rather than increased material usage, the structural materials required are reduced by up to 50%, without compromising performance.

NatPower H’s green hydrogen infrastructure aims to revolutionize the recreational boating industry by creating a network of sustainable energy hubs in major Italian marinas. The initiative responds to the increasing demand for sustainable vessels in the face of ecological concerns. The establishment of protected marine areas worldwide, prohibiting the use of diesel engines, underscores the industry’s need for ecologically sustainable developments.

Collaborating with Zaha Hadid Architects, NatPower H ensures that the construction of the green hydrogen refueling stations adheres to the highest safety standards. The partnership leverages Zaha Hadid Architects’ expertise in modular systems and adaptable designs, allowing for customized configurations based on the unique requirements of each location.

In a broader strategic move, NatPower H has also partnered with Bluegame, a renowned yacht builder, to provide green hydrogen for hydrogen-powered chase boats participating in the upcoming 37th America’s Cup. This collaboration exemplifies the potential benefits of establishing and distributing green hydrogen in the rapidly growing sustainable boating market.

The NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, represents a landmark project in the transition towards sustainable marine transportation. With its innovative design, commitment to circular construction, and strategic partnerships, this project is set to redefine the future of green hydrogen infrastructure in the recreational boating industry, paving the way for a more eco-friendly and sustainable maritime sector.

The post Zaha Hadid Designs Revolutionary Hydrogen Refueling Station for Sustainable Boating first appeared on Yanko Design.

This circular community center for water sports clubs in Denmark references maritime construction

International studio Snøhetta and Danish studio WERK Arkitekter were commissioned by the Esbjerg Municipality to create a community center for water sports clubs on the coast of Esbjerg, Denmark. Located on an artificial island, the community center is deeply inspired by boat construction and pays tribute to the maritime traditions and legacy of Esbjerg. Called the Esbjerg Maritime Center, the space was designed to be a ‘social hub’, one that brings together all the water sports clubs of the area into one standard location.

Designer: Snøhetta and WERK Arkitekter

“The brief was to relocate all the different clubs on different addresses in Esbjerg into one new building. We proposed a circular building to create an inviting building from all sides,” said project lead Frank Foray. The center features an intriguing circular form that has been clad in wood. It glows at night and hence is called ‘The Lantern’ colloquially. The upper storey of the center houses spaces for sports clubs such as rowing, diving, and kayaking. It also includes an education center and training facilities. A public terrace, which functions as the social heart of the space, is located on this floor as well and can be accessed via two staircases. The terrace provides mesmerizing views of the sea. The lower level of the structure holds spaces for boat storage, and workshop areas, which are connected directly to the sea.

The maritime center is constructed using wood and concrete, and it derives its power from solar panels on the roof, as well as electricity. This provides the center with a sustainable element. The base of the building was made using concrete, which was engineered in a manner that could allow it to provide protection against high tide, in case the water ever overflows the flood barrier. The building’s roof was constructed using heat-treated pine, and in a rhythmic and repetitive fashion, that is inspired by boat craftsmanship and the flow of water. The panels of the facade are arranged in an interesting pattern that mimics the shapes of kayaks.

“The chosen wood structure is from both the outside and the inside inspired by the rich culture of boat craftsmanship. The thermo-heated wood is reflecting the original deeply Nordic-rooted material for boat construction. It will turn grey in a few years,” said Foray.

The pine cladding was selected not only because it will eventually grey with time, but also because this material is used very frequently in the construction of boats. The interiors were designed to give  “the impression of being under a boat turned upside down”. Even the materials for the interiors were selected in accordance with this brief. Originally, the Esbjerg Maritime Center was supposed to open in 2022, although a bit later than its intended deadline, the space is finally open to the public!

The post This circular community center for water sports clubs in Denmark references maritime construction first appeared on Yanko Design.

Motorized T-Rex Pool Float: Jurassic Pool

Summer is officially here, and you know what that means – hoping somebody invites me to a pool party. And to spice things up in the pool this summer is this motorized t-rex pool float (affiliate link) from PoolCandy. The inflatable dinosaur features a 3-blade propeller powered by a 66-watt motor and six D batteries that allow you to cruise in any direction you want to. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be steering towards the swim-up bar!

As far as capturing the likeness of a t-rex goes, they didn’t do a fantastic job. It’s still terrifying, though, just not in the way I’d expect a t-rex to be. It’s more of a ‘Good lord, what happened to you?!’ kind of way.

Don’t have the money to spend on a fancy motorized t-rex pool float? No worries, that’s what pool noodles were made for. They’re not that fun, but they are cost-effective. That’s what my parents got me when I was a kid, and we didn’t even have a pool, just a bathtub.

[via DudeIWantThat]

Modern design elements update this reinterpretation of a traditional Norwegian boathouse

The Badehus, or Bathhouse, is a modern, minimalist reinterpretation of the traditional Norwegian boathouse with 45-degree angled timber planks that give it a dynamic, semi-enclosed look.

Reinterpreting traditional boathouses to fit in today’s world boils down to making them functional for modern needs without stripping them of their old-world charm. The Norwegian boathouse, or naust as it’s colloquially termed, is traditionally built using one of three methods: gate, timber, or stone construction. While each method typically maintains the same frame shape, each method gives the boathouse a unique finished look.

Designer: Handegård Arkitektur

Handegård Arkitektur tried its hand at reinterpreting the traditional Norwegian boathouse for the 21st century, using an alternative gate construction method. Handegård Arkitektur constructed the Badehus, which translates to Bathhouse, as a tiny retreat to accommodate a small clinker-built boat.

From behind, the Bathhouse appears like a fully-enclosed red boathouse without any windows. A closer look reveals a completely different building. Inside, each facade of the Bathhouse is lined with thin timber planks angled at 45-degrees that open the interior up to the outside. The planks are angled so that the boathouse is enclosed from behind, but entirely open from the front.

This alternative form of gate construction offers some privacy from the outside and then an unfettered view of the sea from the inside. This dramatic transition is exactly the purpose behind the Bathhouse’s modern update as the architects explain, “When you enter, you experience the purpose – you are sheltered at the same time as you have a view of the entire sea.”

Entering the Bathhouse, one large full-swing door leads guests to its modest living area that organizes a minibar and woodfire stove towards the rear of the building. Behind that, a loft bed keeps a space for sleeping and a bathroom can be found in its own area behind a closed door. Just a few steps away, guests can enjoy a spacious lounge area that completely opens up to the sea via two large full-swing doors.

The floor and gabled ceiling remain bright with solid plywood paneling. The gaps formed by the angled timber planks are also covered by narrow acrylic panels that help protect the Bathhouse from the natural elements while still collecting pools of sunlight. Two granite columns and a concrete plinth give rise to a galvanized steel frame, where the Bathhouse rests.

The timber planks open up the interior to the outdoors and add some energy to an otherwise stripped-down retreat.

From behind, the Bathhouse looks entirely enclosed behind the timber planks. 

From the other side, the Bathhouse’s angled timber planks open up.

The post Modern design elements update this reinterpretation of a traditional Norwegian boathouse first appeared on Yanko Design.

This futuristic superyacht doubles up as a floating seaport for other boats & costs $300 million!





Remember that swan-shaped megayacht that was costing $500,000,000 to make? Well, Lazzarini Design Studio is here to wow us again with this 328-foot long (100-meter) superyacht that also doubles up as a private seaport for smaller boats! Elegantly named ‘Saturnia’, this conceptual superyacht is designed to be made entirely with dry carbon fiber structures that will make it 50% lighter than similar-sized vessels and push the top speed up to 30 knots!

the main body of saturnia subdivides into five floors plus the top antenna area. the vessel can be configured into different layouts, accommodating between 10 and 20 guest suites and 20 crew members.

Lazzarini’s concept features an all-around walkable deck area and openings on both sides that lift up to reveal a private port for tenders. tenders with up to 1.5 meters of draft can moor inside the private port or be easily loaded while the yacht is navigating.

the upper part of the openings extend into glass-bottomed decks. inside the centrally-located private port, large sliding windows maximize connection to the outside. meanwhile, the side openings can extend from the upper deck into glass-bottomed lounge areas.

designed with hybrid propulsion, the yacht utilizes twin side diesel engines and a central electronic water jet system, which can push the yacht with zero emissions. Lazzarini Design Studio estimates that the saturnia superyacht concept could be built for $300,000,000 USD in about 30 months.

tenders with up to 1.5 meters of draft can moor inside the private port or be easily loaded while the yacht is navigating. the personal port. tenders with up to 1.5 meters of draft can moor inside the private port or be easily loaded while the yacht is navigating

Designer: Lazzarini Design Studio

This electric, self-driving, smart ferry is the Tesla of public transport boats!

Traffic is only increasing every day in cities and if they are located in a coastal area then using waterways is one of the most efficient ways to cut down on road congestion. Along with managing the flow of vehicles on land, the climate crisis has accelerated the need for smart, climate-friendly mobility solutions worldwide. Zeabuz, a Norwegian company, has stepped up to the need of the hour and will be launching a self-driving ferry next year!

The ferry will carry 12 passengers and will operate like an elevator where all you have to do is press a button to summon it. Zeabuz’s zero-emission ferry was first developed by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in 2018 and the 2021 launch shows Norway’s commitment to developing climate-conscious transport systems. This ferry will be autonomous, “Autonomy fits like a glove with electric vehicles. This enables better control, optimal operation, safety, and maintenance. Our autonomy solution is world-leading and can enable self-driving ferries that safely manoeuver among other boats, dock to the quay by themselves and handle passengers safely,” says Asgeir J. Sørensen, director of NTNU’s research center on autonomous maritime operations, NTNU AMOS. Apart from wirelessly charging at docks, it is safe to assume that solar panels will be the way to go with a backup battery for winter months when the sunshine is not enough in Norway. Many major cities can replicate this solution to fit their water channels and maybe even boost tourism while reducing the vehicle count on the roads during rush hours.

As we try to build a sustainable future, boats needed a technological upgrade to give the people a greener alternative to road transport. The Zeabuz ferry reduces operation costs which also makes it economical – and on that note, riding this ferry will be free in Trondheim which will encourage more people to adopt emission-free commutes. The electric ferry will operate along the canal that connects the port and the city center of Trondheim and will charge itself when docked. This cuts the travel time from 15 mins to 1 minute as passengers won’t need to walk between the two locations. Keeping the urban audience in mind, the ferry also has the capacity to transport passenger bicycles. Water transport was popular before the invention of cars, and while it largely only benefits coastal communities, they are also the most densely populated which puts them first in line for emission-free transport solutions. Electric self-driving boats like these can truly reduce the traffic in big cities and improve air quality as well as reduce noise pollution levels.

Designers: Zeabuz and NTNU

MIT tests autonomous ‘Roboat’ that can carry two passengers

We’ve heard plenty about the potential of autonomous vehicles in recent years, but MIT is thinking about different forms of self-driving transportation. For the last five years, MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) an...

White River Marine Group needs an Industrial Designer!

Spanning destination retail, boat manufacturing, and award-winning resorts, Bass Pro Shops is an innovative pioneer in connecting everyone to the great outdoors. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today Bass Pro Shops is a leading destination retailer offering outdoor gear and apparel in an immersive setting with more than 100 retail and marine centers that host 120 million people annually. White River Marine Group, part of the Bass Pro family, is the largest manufacturer of boats in the world by volume offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands including Nitro, Tracker, Suntracker, Tahoe, etc. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is committed to inspiring everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors. The company is known as a national leader in protecting habitat and connecting families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “One of America’s Best Employers.” Apply now to be a part of this visionary environment!

The Nitro Z21 is White River Marine Group’s biggest performance bass boat, without sacrificing speed and performance for size.

The Opportunity

White River Marine Group is looking for an Industrial Designer! The ideal candidate is a highly creative, self-motivated individual that works well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. They must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously and manage time effectively to meet project deadlines. The ideal candidate is passionate about details and has a proven track record of creating products that are authentic to a brand and connects emotionally with consumers.

Responsibilities

• Lead design projects from concept to production release in collaboration with other disciplines, following the product development process.
• Ensure that early design concepts convey the consumer benefits, have the best class craftsmanship, excellent ergonomics, and innovative solutions while meeting cost targets and manufacturing capabilities.
• Utilize competitive analysis, consumer and trend research to identify product opportunities, color/material trends and market trends to drive product ideation and proposals.
• Develop innovative design solutions according to brand design strategy.
• Efficiently communicate ideas and generate design proposals through ideation sketches, refined 2D renderings, and 3D CAD.
• Develop 3D digital theme surface models.
• Work closely with the engineering team to establish product packaging criteria and guide surface development.
• Create mockups to study ergonomics, packaging, and form.
• Support new product development and engineering for six brands of powerboat products.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in industrial, transportation or product design.
• A minimum of 5 year’s experience in the design of marine, recreational, transportation or consumer products with proven, quantifiable results.
• Experience leading design activity through the development process
• Professionally developed design and presentation skills including concept generation, sketching, 3D CAD and graphic design
• Desire for and experience in physical prototyping. Experience with digital prototyping and prototyping soft/sewn goods is a plus.
• Proactive in identifying, owning and solving problems.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage time appropriately.
• Experience collaborating in the corporate environment for new product development, engineering and manufacturing.
• Basic knowledge of composite, aluminum, roto-molded thermoplastic, and soft goods manufacturing techniques.
• Proficient in Photoshop and/or Painter, Illustrator. Experience in CATIA, Rhino is a plus.

How to Apply

Location

Springfield, MO.

Click here to Apply Now!


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This Kayak Collapses So You Can Carry It like a Backpack

Pakayak may be the best name ever for a kayak company, but there is a reason for that name. The Bluefin 14 is a kayak that collapses down so small that you can carry it on your back.

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The days of you having to tow your kayak on your car roof or hauling it in a cargo trailer are over, thanks to this kayak, which combines comfortable touring performance with an amazing portable modular design.

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All of the individual modules nest, allowing them to bundle into a single pile that you can strap on your shoulders for a large kayak backpack. The Pakayak Bluefin 14 measures 14 feet long when assembled. When packed, it measures just 3 1/2 feet long, so it’ll easily fit in the back of your SUV or even in the back seat or trunk of a car.

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The whole thing weighs 55 pounds, so it does make for a heavy backpack, but it’s still much easier to carry than a traditional kayak. It will come out later this year for $1,695(USD).

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[via Cool Things]