Exclusive Insight into How Hot Lab Designed the Atlantique 43 Frette

Italy's renowned Hot Lab, a key player in the Viken Group, has unveiled an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at its remarkable design process for the Columbus Yachts' newest superyacht, the Atlantique 43 Frette. This sneak peek highlights the intricate blend of Eastern and Western design philosophies, utilizing prestigious global design brands.

Stunning imagery showcases Hot Lab's meticulous design work, capturing both the yacht's elegant exterior and luxurious interior. The same design team has crafted the vessel’s outer aesthetics and inner ambiance, ensuring a cohesive look and feel. Hot Lab is responsible for the entire Atlantique line, spanning lengths from 37m to 65m.

“The concept for the exterior design originated from our vision of infusing the elegance, fluidity, and simplicity of sailboat lines into the realm of motor yachts,” said Antonio Romano, commercial director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab. “This guiding principle has influenced the entire Atlantique range, a key element in attracting the owner's interest.”

The exterior of Frette is reminiscent of natural forms, echoing the gentle curves of a shell or pebbled stone. Each deck features smooth contours, seamlessly transitioning from the bow to the expansive transom, while the sun deck’s roof extends outward like a protective hand. The design harmoniously blends characteristics of both sailing and motor yachts, enhancing its elegant silhouette.

“Our inspiration came from nature, specifically the cocoon and polished stone,” explained Hot Lab co-founder and design director Enrico Lumini. “The river stone, shaped by water, becomes perfectly smooth and hydrodynamic, capturing an elegance that only natural elements can impart.”

This philosophy extends to the yacht’s exterior spaces, with the open stern creating a luxurious beach club experience, flanked by large foldable wings. A unique glass-walled pool complements the design while forging a direct connection to the ocean, sitting just 50cm above the water’s surface.

To maintain an organic atmosphere, the yacht dispenses with bulky structural furniture, opting instead for lightweight freestanding ivory Flexform sofas and loungers that can be quickly rearranged to restore the deck’s natural flow.

Another lounge area at the bow centers around a stunning rectangular panoramic pool, framed by white sunbeds and complemented by elm coffee tables from Paola Lenti, as well as a bar topped with natural teak stools. The sun deck is outfitted for casual gatherings, featuring a rectangular teak table for 14, striking marble accents, and ample sunpads.

The interior boasts exceptionally high ceilings that create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, accentuated by floor-to-ceiling glass panels. Curved glass elements reinforce the yacht’s soft, organic aesthetic, with sliding aft doors that enable effortless circulation.

“One of my proudest achievements is the main deck salon and its entrance, which feels like a winter garden, integrating the interior and exterior in a truly harmonic way,” remarked Lumini. “The expansive glass and side openings invite abundant natural light.”

The main saloon features deep white sofas and contemporary styling with rounded shapes, including ivory linen seating by Paolo Castelli contrasted with blue-hued cushions. A warm palette of brushed and bleached American walnut parquet laid in herringbone complements oak wall panels that house a large TV framed in onyx and ivory marble. The space includes an elegant oak bench by Fendi, complete with a fabric seat and leather straps, and a sleek bar unit by Poltrona Frau.

Hot Lab’s design also reveals a strong emphasis on cultural fusion. “The owner’s background reflects influences from both the East and the West,” Lumini noted. "This blend of details creates an expression that is both elegantly understated and distinctly personal."

Moving to the upper deck, Hot Lab has crafted a vibrant gathering space. The outdoor aft deck features semicircular seating arrangements complemented by Flexform lounges and Paola Lenti coffee tables made from elm and iroko wood. Inside, a dining area showcases a custom panda marble table with Fendi Casa chairs, accommodating up to 12 guests, while the lounge area offers Giorgetti Caddy armchairs paired with Fendi Casa coffee tables, all enhanced by side windows that open fully for better circulation.

Across five guest cabins, Hot Lab applies familiar motifs from the yacht’s design, featuring warm parquet and walls adorned with melange fabric, creating a harmonious ambiance.

“Clients sought a light, airy space for social gatherings and business meetings,” Lumini explained. “Frette embodies that vision, providing a sophisticated yet welcoming environment.”

Frette not only captivates with its design but also exemplifies the elegant harmony between its interiors and exteriors. Many claim to achieve seamless indoor-outdoor living, yet Hot Lab has realized this synergy in a way that feels both instinctive and natural. The studio champions a principle they call “Architecture for Voyagers.”

“Architecture for Voyagers encapsulates our design ethos,” Romano stated. “It emphasizes respect for the object and its intended purpose. Yachts are unique in combining an outer shell – the pure design object – with a functional living space within. Striking a balance between these two aspects is a challenge that we have embraced, allowing us to create a unified whole.”

Viken Group comprises Tillberg Design of Sweden, Hot Lab and Thalia Marine. The company offers a ­unique expertise compiled from vast ­experience with some of the world’s most complete shipbuilding ­projects. Viken Group specialises in every area of marine design, architecture and engineering and ­combines ­cultures, knowledge, experience and services. The company believes that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Columbus Yachts was established in 2008. In early 2019, the shipyard launched the new flagship Columbus Classic 80m M/Y Dragon, which joins in the Columbus star-studded fleet with the award-winning Sport Hybrid 40 Divine, the 57m M/Y Taiba and the 40m M/Y Eleonora III. The Columbus range offers four different lines: Sport, Classic, Crossover and Custom for unique projects. Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples and Savona), operating under just as many world-renowned brand names: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine, Extra Yachts and Palumbo SY Refit.