The Columbus Atlantique 43 Frette stands as the latest masterpiece from Columbus Yachts, crafted with meticulous attention to detail by Italy’s renowned design studio, Hot Lab, now part of the Viken Group. This superyacht seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences, offering an unparalleled fusion of elegance and innovation. Hot Lab’s role as both the exterior and interior designer for the Atlantique 43 ensures a cohesive aesthetic that radiates sophistication and harmony.
Organic Elegance: The Exterior
Hot Lab’s design philosophy draws inspiration from nature, with the exterior form echoing the curves of polished river stones or seashells. Each deck flows gracefully from bow to stern, with smooth contours and fluid lines that merge the sleekness of a sailing yacht with the robust functionality of a motor yacht. The sun deck’s protective canopy and the open transom contribute to the yacht’s organic appeal, creating a visual balance that is both striking and serene.
“The exterior design stemmed from our desire to bring the elegance, fluidity, and simplicity of sailboat lines into the motor yacht world,” said Antonio Romano, Commercial Director of the Viken Group and Hot Lab co-founder.
Bringing Nature Aboard
The Atlantique 43’s commitment to connecting with the sea is evident in its spacious outdoor areas. The expansive beach club features folding lateral wings that expand the deck, creating an unmatched 70-square-meter water’s-edge retreat. A glass-walled pool sits just 50 cm above the sea, mirroring the yacht’s streamlined contours while providing an immersive connection to the water.
The bow offers another outdoor haven, with a panoramic rectangular pool and sunbeds surrounded by elegant teak furniture from luxury brands like Paola Lenti and Flexform. On the sun deck, a teak dining table for 14 and a marble-clad bar enhance the informal yet refined atmosphere.
Light-Filled Interiors
Hot Lab’s design for the Atlantique 43’s interior emphasizes light, openness, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels and curved glass elements allow natural light to flood the main salon. Sliding aft doors create an uninterrupted transition between the salon and the open deck, embodying the yacht’s philosophy of blending indoor and outdoor living.
“The main deck salon entrance is a space I am particularly proud of,” said Enrico Lumini, Hot Lab’s design director. “It’s a winter garden-like patio that perfectly connects interiors and exteriors.”
The salon itself features a calming palette of ivory and blue, with linen sofas and armchairs by Paolo Castelli, complemented by warm American walnut parquet flooring and oak wall panels. Subtle Far Eastern influences appear in details like sycamore leaf-effect wallpaper and custom marble bar units, reflecting the owner’s personal ties to both Eastern and Western cultures.
Fusion of Cultures
This blend of influences defines the yacht’s character. From the Tatami-stone oak flooring in the owner’s suite to the karaoke room’s Calacatta violet marble finishes, every space balances modern Western minimalism with Eastern tradition and refinement. The use of custom Frette linens throughout the yacht underscores this fusion, marrying Italian craftsmanship with Asian sensibilities.
“Frette is a testament to the enriching collaboration between Italy and the Far East, showcasing the shared passion for creating extraordinary fabrics and designs,” added Lumini.
Gathering Spaces for Every Occasion
The upper deck is designed for socializing, featuring a semicircular structural sofa and an alfresco dining area with a panda marble table for 12. The dining room flows into a lounge equipped with Fendi Casa coffee tables and Giorgetti Caddy armchairs, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that can be fully opened for natural ventilation and a closer connection to the sea.
A Vision of Architectural Harmony
Hot Lab’s “Architecture for Voyagers” philosophy underpins the Atlantique 43’s design. This approach seeks to balance the yacht’s dual roles as both an elegant object of design and a functional living space.
“It’s about blending the outer shell with the inner experience,” explained Romano. “The Atlantique 43 embodies this philosophy, achieving an extraordinary harmony between form and function.”
About the Viken Group
As part of the Viken Group, Hot Lab brings together expertise from Tillberg Design of Sweden, Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine, offering unparalleled capabilities in marine design, architecture, and engineering. This collaborative approach ensures that every project benefits from a diverse range of perspectives and skills, delivering yachts that are as innovative as they are beautiful.
With the Columbus Atlantique 43, Hot Lab has redefined what it means to design a superyacht, crafting a vessel that is not only a triumph of aesthetics but also a celebration of cultural and architectural synergy. As Frette sets sail, it promises to turn heads wherever it ventures, embodying the very essence of modern luxury.
