MYS 2024: Studio KMJ Talks ZEITGEIST and Sustainability

Kurt Merki Jr. shared insights into the Studio KMJ's history, noting that he learned valuable skills from his father, a master carpenter, before shifting his focus to design. Based in Zurich, his studio specialises in product design, architecture, and interior design, undertaking a diverse array of projects primarily in the commercial sector.

When discussing his previous projects, Merki Jr reflected on the brand's signature faucet series with Duravit and its collaboration with chocolate shops, fitting for their Swiss location, both of which exhibited Studio KMJ’s trademark commitment to excellence. Its perfect execution permeates throughout every project, and it is clear that Studio KMJ’s high quality and sleek vision resonates throughout every instance of work. 

Merki Jr was drawn to the yachting industry out of his passion for the sector, aspiring to pioneer meaningful change in interior yacht design. Regarding the studio's first vessel, SYMBIOSIS, he emphasised the desire to integrate nature into the yacht's design.

He noted: 'It’s a bit strange to be on a plastic island made of glass and metal,' and sought to incorporate functional elements that evoke the natural world. For instance, rather than using a plastic canopy for shade, he opted for a tree, seamlessly blending nature into the vessel's environment.

The most recent concept, 86m ZEITGEIST, represents a transition in the superyacht industry for Studio KMJ. Merki Jr commented that the design is set to reflect a new generation of yacht owners who prioritise sustainable practices. In doing this, Merki Jr stated: ‘A yacht can be sustainable but also sexy, it can be high-tech, it can be super-modern. So we are trying to incorporate elements like solar panels [...] and have bio material deckings.’

He elaborates on the collaboration with Esthec, highlighting the integration of sustainable elements into designs, which not only boosts environmental consciousness but also enhances functionality. For instance, he discusses the innovative bio-decking, which offers a variety of colours for owners to choose from and incorporates lighting. Most impressively, it features a security system that allows users to monitor the location of guests at all times. This capability enables AI to optimise air conditioning use by identifying areas where it's unnecessary, representing a groundbreaking advancement in onboard sustainability.

Watch the full interview above.