Each boat reflects the owner’s values, priorities, and aesthetics. Interior design is a key element to this overall reflection of the owner. According to a study conducted in the United Kingdom, furniture production in yacht manufacturing is frequently the second major cost factor after engine equipment. (Ilhan 2019). Considering the labor and skill required, it is no surprise that furniture manufacturing is one of the major expenditures in yacht construction.
There are typically three different methods of furniture making for yachts: the on-site method, the mock-up method, and the computerized method. (Ergul 2017).
Using the most advanced technology possible, Bering designers lean towards the computerized method of furniture construction. In this method, a 3D model is created and an electronic version of the layout is presented to the client. After the design is approved by the client, the project immediately goes into production. This modeling process saves time and keeps the furniture production in time with the boat construction – all while ensuring the elements and furniture modules fit precisely within the designated spaces.
Bering Yachts has a large warehouse dedicated solely to furniture production. In that warehouse, almost 100 Bering employees make furniture and other indoor and outdoor design features, such as parquet flooring and wall-mounted panels. For decades, the interiors of large boats were characterized by recognizable aesthetic traits that led to standard and familiar results: lacquered mahogany for furniture and bulkheads, white ceilings, blue and white striped fabrics, and bright brass handles all of which make up what has been called “Old Navy Style”. However, over the last twenty years, there has been a real revolution in interior yacht design. It is far more common to see modern vessels look much closer (aesthetically speaking) to beautiful, comfortable land-based homes. (Campolongo 2017).
To support these more modern naval aesthetics, Bering uses teakwood and other fine woods like walnut, oak, and beech. These go into production along with the composite materials and the marine grade plywood, which is made from high-quality wood plies with the addition of waterproof adhesive and a water-resistant exterior finish to improve its moisture and water protection. Current research clearly shows that people want a vessel that will give them experiences they can’t have elsewhere. Therefore, the materials and furniture have to look and feel like home, but somewhat different, with a marine touch. While this is a challenge, it is a challenge the Bering team loves to take on for its clients.
The materials we choose must be aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, durable, and safe. They need to comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines to meet Chapter II-2 (‘Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction’) of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 1974). The furniture, along with the floorcoverings, ceiling and deck materials, wall coverings and curtains must also comply with flammability tests published in a document called the ‘Fire Test Procedures 2010’ (FTP). We never compromise on safety. All materials used by Bering are fully compliant with these requirements, thus protecting all passengers and crew at all times.
Advanced design solutions along with quality, value, and speed are the principles on which Bering Yachts furniture manufacturing department bases its work. It is a full-circle production, which can be split into eight steps:
Each step is finalized and accepted only after thorough quality control from the engineering and design team.
To become one of Bering 10 project designers, 40 production workers, 30 assembly specialists, and 10 support staff, one must go through a rigorous staff selection process. All of our furniture production staff must be experienced, knowledgeable, hard-working, efficient, and attentive to detail. Marine furniture and furnishings produced by Bering are not just stand-alone wooden and composite pieces. They are integral to our yachts’ design, comfort, and functionality. Adding style and uniqueness to each onboard space, these elements help create a second to none luxury and at-home feeling that is UX-friendly and corresponds with the modern naval aesthetics.