Milan-based studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group, has revealed new images of its latest refit project: the 50-metre Heesen superyacht Bijin. Formerly cruising under the name of Sibelle, she was sold in October 2024, with Burgess introducing the buyer and Ocean Independence representing the seller.

The yacht’s new name, ‘Bijin’, a Japanese term meaning ‘beautiful woman’, is the perfect name for a yacht which has benefited from such a stunning transformation. The 50-metre full custom all-aluminium Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) yacht was originally recognised for her design and engineering prowess at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards and was the first in a line of 50-metre Heesen vessels.

The refit works were carried out by the Monaco Marine team in La Seyne-sur-Mer in close collaboration with her owners, the owners’ designers, Hot Lab, Austrian interior contractors List GC, and her crew. Bijin underwent an exterior paint job, transforming her hull from oyster white and grey to an elegant Matterhorn white and jet black, as well as the addition of a head-turning sunfast red boot stripe. This took place alongside the transformation of her interior spaces and the optimization of her onboard equipment.

Involved owners spur on success

As Hot Lab co-founder and design director, Enrico Lumini explains, Bijin’s owners had a preexisting and longstanding friendship with the Italian studio.

“We have known each other for many years, which naturally led to a relationship of trust and open communication. When the time came for them to consider a significant transformation of their yacht, it felt natural for them to turn to someone who not only understood their tastes and expectations but also shared their passion for the sea.”

He continues: “Their participation went far beyond simply providing feedback. They were active supporters at every stage, offering practical help and valuable insights.

Their hands-on involvement and constructive approach were instrumental in helping us navigate challenges and complete the project within the established timeframe.”

Japan meets Scandinavia

Stepping inside, Bijin’s interiors have a calming, Japandi-inspired look, conceived by Hot Lab and realised by List. This merges Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth, for a harmonious, serene and refined effect. Bijin’s new owner explains further: “The idea was to be surrounded by an organic, naturally blending and appealing design, which would help our guests find relaxation and peace.”

As Bijin had been maintained in excellent condition since her delivery in 2015 by her original, highly-experienced owners, she did not require major alterations. As Enrico Lumini highlights, “Our interventions focused on elements such as the beds, headboards, curtains, carpets, and loose furniture. The goal was to provide the yacht with a subtle yet meaningful refresh, rather than a radical overhaul. We aimed for a style that was slightly more fusion, introducing gentle oriental touches, particularly in the design of the headboards.”

He continues: “One of the key changes was the colour palette: we moved towards lighter tones and softer shades of brown, replacing the previous, more pronounced colours. This approach was intended to create a sense of freshness and clarity throughout the interiors, making the spaces feel more open and inviting, while still retaining the yacht’s original elegance.”

Perfect pampering and relaxation

Standout areas on board Bijin include her expansive sundeck, which offers enough space to comfortably host dozens of friends and guests. The bar area on the upper deck also serves as a central gathering point and is perfect for both socialising and relaxation.

With the yacht accommodating up to 10 guests, Bijin’s owner’s suite is exceptionally spacious, with its unique layout including two generous his-and-hers bathrooms that act as a buffer zone before entering the main cabin. This arrangement creates an intimate, private space for her owners to feel both pampered and protected.

The dream collaboration

Augustin Fabre, project manager at Monaco Marine, who oversaw the project, was delighted by the results. “The end result lives up to, and even exceeds our expectations, offering Bijin a new visual identity and optimised functionality, in compliance with the most demanding standards.”

Antonio Romano, commercial and marketing director of the Viken Group, co-founder of Hot Lab, agrees: “Sometimes, a project is more than just work. It becomes a silent dialogue between the dreams of the owner and the soul of the designer. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the owner of Bijin for over 20 years, and creating something together was not just a collaboration, but a deeply emotional journey.”

Looking ahead, the 50-metre Bijin will be used both privately and for charter. Unsurprisingly, for such a striking and elegant vessel, she is already fully booked for her first upcoming season in the West Mediterranean.