- Technology and Innovation
The Glass Staircase: Zuccon’s Design Lab Just Reinvented the Companionway
The Battle for Light: Rethinking the Console
In yacht design, every square meter of space and every ray of natural light are precious. Yet, the companionway—the physical link between the cockpit and the interior—has always been a necessary visual barrier. HubZeta, the creative laboratory established by Zuccon International Project, decided to challenge this fundamental piece of naval architecture. Their first project, Lys, created in collaboration with Parema, is not just a companionway; it’s a turning point that transforms functionality into art.
Transparent Tactics: Maximizing the Visual Bridge
The brilliance of Lys lies in its deceptive simplicity: the replacement of traditional opaque slats with transparent ones. This single design choice allows light to flood the spaces onboard, creating a visual experience never before seen in such a nautical component. Lys becomes an architectural element, a symbolic bridge linking the exterior social hub with the interior sanctuary. This focus on using light as the starting point was the invisible material that guided every choice, according to HubZeta CEO Dario Amati.
The Art of Personalization: Custom Aesthetics
Lys is proof of a bespoke approach, designed to resonate with owners who demand a unique aesthetic. The component is highly customizable, with options for clear, smoked, backlit, screen-printed, or colored slats. This level of detail allows the owner to adapt the companionway to their personal style, making Lys a modifiable aesthetic detail, not just a functional one. This bold marriage of Italian design and practicality is a key reference point for builders and designers.
Architecture Meets Engineering: The Perfect Balance
The structural integrity of Lys is as important as its beauty. Built using innovative materials such as aluminum and acrylic, the system achieves both lightness and durability. Parema, a specialist in nautical components since 1978, optimized the sliding guides, ensuring smooth operation and waterproofing. This is an authentic dialogue between architecture and engineering, pushing beyond traditional boundaries to achieve the perfect balance between innovation and structural integrity.
The Verdict: The Future of Nautical Design
The launch of Lys at METS 2025 establishes HubZeta as a platform for design experimentation. This project demonstrates the ability to merge the distinctive design of Zuccon International Project with advanced manufacturing. Lys is the physical evidence that even the most consolidated component can be rethought to enhance the owner’s onboard experience. For industry professionals, Lys is a clear signal: the focus is shifting to integrating art and functionality at every level of the yacht.
