BYD: complex interior refit of 45m superyacht Lady Nora 

Refit work on the 45m superyacht Lady Nora is nearing completion to detailed new designs from Spain’s BYD. The Palma de Mallorca-based naval architect was asked to remodel the guest cabins, galley and the entire crew area, redesigning the air conditioning system in the process.

As a full-service yacht design studio, BYD’s capabilities are the perfect fit for this large, technically demanding project. The first step was to strip the crew areas on the lower deck right back to the boat’s aluminium frames and hull plates. Then the team could use its market-leading experience with 3D scanning to map the spaces as they really were.

Armed with this incredibly precise digital image of the interior volumes, BYD could get to work designing a series of contemporary, new spaces for the 1998 Broward yacht. “The boat was in good shape, but a little tired inside, so we were asked to make the crew accommodation more comfortable,” explains Tià Simó, principal designer at BYD. “The owner and his captain both had the foresight to know that a happy crew would make for a better guest experience. Better space utilisation would also allow us to include two additional crew cabins.”

Bright, clean styling maximises space, creating two extra cabins
When she’s relaunched this summer, Lady Nora will be able to accommodate eight crew in four single cabins and two doubles, plus another one dedicated to the Captain. They are all styled with a new light décor that emphasises the space and makes the most of the natural light that enters through the portholes. Light Elegant Oak veneer cabinetry is nicely balanced with AmticoNordix Oak, antique-wood effect, mid-grey flooring. The look extends to a spacious new crew mess capable of seating 10 people, with TVs and easy access to a capable new laundry.

The brief also called for a refit on thechildren’s cabin, which BYD re-designed with twin Pullman beds. The backrests of two long sofas on either side of the cabin fold up to create two hanging bunks above the two beds. BYD proposed a classic mix of dark walnut, warm teak and hard-wearing woven carpet for a refined feel. Storage was built into the walls and BYD designed a clever desk whose chair stows securely inside to make this a child-friendly space.

For the guest cabins and ensuite bathrooms, the aim was to freshen up a dark, heavy finish which dated from the boat’s original build in 1998. BYD selected a series of light, gently patterned fabrics to brighten walls, headboards and blinds, plus a warm beige carpet. The ambient lighting has also been modernised with efficient, warm LED units. Coupled with white interiors to the gloomy wardrobes and similar treatment in the bathrooms, these spaces have been transformed.

Galley and pantry areas remodelled
The other major focus for the refit has been the galley and pantry areas of the boat, which were also stripped back to the frames. BYD came up with a two-pronged approach here, using woody accents from the saloon dining area to match the pantry, while making the galley itself a much more modern, functional space. In the pantry, storage units are finished with a Formica that reproduces the dark wood panelling of the saloon, keeping sightlines harmonious through the swinging pantry door.

Meanwhile, in the galley, the styling reflects the crew areas below, with the same use of antique-effect flooring. The work surfaces are in brushed stainless steel – combining low maintenance with high heat and spill tolerance. The cabinetry is a refined dark grey called nickel sprinkle.

“As well as bringing the styling up to date, we have improved the layout of the pantry and galley areas for the benefit of the chef,” explains Simó. “We have moved the sinks further from the induction hob and introduced a new serving unit which makes it quicker and easier to dress plates and get them out to waiting guests.”

The last piece of the jigsaw has been to improve the ventilation systems on board. The Captain was clear that air renewal was too slow and left some areas of the boat with a musty atmosphere. While no structural work was required here, BYD had to model new cut-outs in the bulkheads to carry the extra ducting required.

“This is technical work that goes well beyond styling,” says Simó. “Our broad experience allowed us to combine the understanding of complex systems with a refined new look to create fresh guest and crew spaces that are a pleasure to use for all the senses.”

The refit work was carried out at Astilleros de Mallorca in close collaboration with the BYD team and Tekamar Carpenters. It began last season and will be finished in time for summer cruising.