Goldfinger Iate by Paolo Demel is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award de Prata in Deseño de Iates e Embarcacións Competition Category.

PrataIate· 2026

Goldfinger Iate

by Paolo Demel

Client: Paolo Demel

A' Design Award de Prata Winner in Iate Category

15,003
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #180504

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Goldfinger Iate

Goldfinger é un concepto de mega iate de 65 metros cun perfil exterior baixo e esculpido. Unha banda continua de acristalamento lateral percorre toda a lonxitude da embarcación. O acristalamento achega luz natural aos principais espazos interiores e ofrece amplas vistas do mar. O casco está construído con seccións de bloques de aceiro soldado, mentres que a terceira cuberta superior está feita de aluminio para reducir o peso da obra morta e mellorar a estabilidade. As grandes aberturas das fiestras están sostidas por un armazón coidadosamente deseñado que mantén o casco de aceiro ríxido e estanco. Catro cubertas albergan zonas sociais, camarotes privados e espazos exteriores abertos.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Prata

Goldfinger Iate gañou o A' Design Award de Prata, un recoñecemento enormemente prestixioso outorgado a deseños de gama alta, fermosos e impresionantes. Os gañadores Prata son obras tremendamente brillantes e sumamente creativas que ilustran a pericia, o talento e a agudeza sobresaíntes dos seus deseñadores. Espérase que Goldfinger Iate sexa unha obra marabillosa, escaparate de oficio, notablemente profesional e profundamente innovadora. Este deseño gañador do A' Design Award de Prata é unha invención moi notable e admirada que beneficia e fai avanzar os límites da arte, a ciencia, o deseño e a tecnoloxía. Goldfinger Iate é unha creación moi envexada que esperta desexos, achega sentimentos positivos e prende asombro e marabilla.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Goldfinger is a contemporary superyacht concept defined by a low, sculpted profile and a continuous ribbon of glazing that floods interiors with natural light while preserving privacy. Efficient hull lines and integrated terraces enhance seakeeping and outdoor living, delivering a discreet yet powerful presence underway and at anchor.
Dimensions & Packaging: Name: Goldfinger. Type: 65 m mega yacht. Length overall: 65 m, beam: 11,500 m. Construction: steel hull; aluminium upper third deck. Decks: lower deck, main deck, upper deck and open sun deck. Key feature: extensive full length side glazing for high daylight and panoramic sea views.
Tags: 65m megayacht, Goldfinger, panoramic windows, steel hull, aluminium superstructure, contemporary exterior design, lightweight topside, indoor outdoor connection, naval architecture, yacht concept design
Production Technology: Steel hull fabricated in welded blocks sections, aligned on the building berth and fully seam welded. The upper third deck is aluminium to reduce topside weight and improve stability. After structural completion, all piping systems like fuel, fresh, grey, black water, tanks, hvac and electrical cableways are routed and fixed in place. Final phase: insulation and full interior outfit like bulkheads, ceilings, floors, furniture and finishes.
Design Challenge: The hardest challenge was integrating the full length side glazing while keeping structural stiffness, safety and buildability. large openings in a steel hull require careful framing, watertight detailing and compliance with class fire rules, while the aluminium upper deck had to minimize topside weight without compromising strength. The design balanced aesthetics, stability and production feasibility.
Research: Type of research: applied design research. Research objectives: define a 65 m concept with strong sea connection and balanced topside weight. Methodology: iterative exterior space studies and feasibility checks. Data collection and research tools used: reference benchmarking, 3D cad, naval architecture inputs. Results: full length glazing and lightweight upper deck strategy. Insights and Impacts: brighter interiors, stronger indoor outdoor experience. Effect: improved user comfort and perceived space.
Inspiration: Goldfinger takes its name from the iconic Sean Connery 007 film. Drawing on my experience as a mega yacht design supervisor, I develop new concepts where expansive sea facing glazing creates a direct, continuous connection with the horizon. The sculpted, low silhouette and long ribbon windows maximize daylight, enhance views, and balance privacy with a bold, contemporary presence.
Project Duration: The project was developed as a concept from February 2025 to January 2026 in Venice, Italy.
Operation Flow: Goldfinger is operated by a professional crew from the bridge; guests simply move through the yacht’s decks and outdoor areas. The large side windows bring daylight and sea views into the main interior spaces, making inside and outside feel connected. Daily flow is intuitive: arrival, social areas on main deck, private cabins on lower deck, relaxation on upper and sun deck.
Image Credits: Image #1 : Paolo Demel (designer), Image #2 : Paolo Demel (designer), Image #3 : Paolo Demel (designer), Image #4 : Paolo Demel (designer), Image #5 : Paolo Demel (designer)