Shortlisted for the Concept over 50 Metres Award at this year’s International Yacht and Aviation Awards 87m Iwana by McDiarmid Yacht & Design represents a fresh and innovative approach to superyacht styling.
Read our interview with Alex McDiarmid here.
While maintaining a classic bow, the main superstructure takes its form an unusual inspiration -the head of a water dragon. Similarly, the decks and communication tower are inspired by the dorsal crests of the mythical animal.
Similar to panoramic roof windows on modern cars, the super structure integrates a full length, panoramic roof window running over the yacht. This incorporates a solar panel system within the ‘Magic Smart Glass’.
There appears to be huge expanses of glass used in the yacht. This effect is created as a result of an automotive glazing and bodywork technique which is applied in ‘colourway break’. This in essence disguises the supporting structures behind the glass giving the visual impression of one continuous piece of material.
In order to extend and maximise deck space aft, the hull opens into two, fold down, roll out, and wrap around bathing platforms. The platform incorporates part of the aft hull window turning into a partial glass bottomed floor allowing for the observation of underwater marine life and habitats. 
To apply to the IY&A Awards, email awards@design-et-al.co.uk
Some renderings of Iwana feature AquaVenture WaterCrafts’s SeaBird personal submersible: www.aquaventurewatercrafts.com