In this issue we’re going to do a deep dive into the foundation of an Immerst OASys. Like the foundation of any architectural structure, there are many things to consider when drafting and implementing the design. Paul and Bob will walk us through their process and since we’re dealing with a structure that floats on water, the physics of buoyancy, known as Archimedes Principle is where we’ll begin. How do you determine the amount of buoyancy needed to float an OASys? It starts with some math! That’s exactly right, it does start with some math. Once we’ve developed a working concept for […]
A Conversation With James Betts Enterprises
Our firm is currently collaborating with the innovative James Betts Enterprises, Inc. on the beautiful Spirit-of-Tradition yacht, Cirrus. We introduced you to JBE last month and since then, we’ve talked with them further about the process they go through when taking a boat from dream to reality. Tell us what happens when a designer brings a client to you? We approach every new potential project with a critical eye and an open mind. This allows us to understand the client’s dream, see the designer’s vision, and determine the logistics and feasibility of turning an idea into a tangible product. […]
The Sustainability of a Floating Design
We believe that buildings like an Immerst OASys are leading the way in sustainable architecture. Sustainable architecture is a phrase that is often used in tandem with green building and with good reason. The aim of green building is to build in such a way as to minimize the impact of a project on the natural world through efficient use of materials and resources while enhancing the occupants’ experience of interacting with the building. The World Green Building Council lists features of a green building as: Efficient use of energy, water and other resources Use of renewable energy, such […]
Betts Boats, an Introduction
Just over 2 hours north of Seattle sits the small town of Anacortes, Washington, known as the “Gateway to the San Juan Islands.” It is home to James Betts Enterprises, Inc., a family owned and operated boat building company specializing in custom racing and cruising yachts. With 40+ years in the business, JBE custom yachts have been raced in prestigious events around the globe including the America’s Cup, Admiral’s Cup, and Around Alone. Even more impressive is their commitment to making a custom yacht a viable option to a wider audience. Utilizing their “Integrated Project Delivery” system, Betts has streamlined […]
An Interview with SEASE, an Italian Activewear Brand
Often we will come across something, at an event, through a conversation or in print, that piques our interest to the extent that it requires further investigation. When we heard that there was an Italian activewear line that creates foul weather gear that is as stylish and functional off the water as on, we were intrigued. We soon learned that SEASE, the name a combination of ‘sea’ and ‘ease’, is a brand that caters to the active lifestyle. Their premier lines are sailing, skiing and urban sportswear. SEASE co-owners and brothers, Franco Loro Piana and Giacomo Loro Piana graciously agreed […]
OASys Defined
This month we’d like to set the record straight: our floating structure product, OASys (Ocean Architecture System) is not a houseboat. We understand the confusion. After all, we are marine architects who specialize in designing spirit-of-tradition yachts. We launched Immerst to move into the residential architecture business using what we know about marine technology. So while an OASys does float and it functions as a living space, it is not a houseboat. A general consensus on what constitutes a floating home was outlined by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors: Constructed on a float; Designed and built to be […]
Blue Heaven: The Water Rx
Blue Heaven We’re stating the obvious when we say that being on the water makes us happy. We design and race spirit-of-tradition yachts and the closest harbor is less than a mile from our office. We live near the water, we work near the water and we design for a life on the water. We know we are not alone – research continues to prove that time spent near the water is good for your mental and physical health. Being near the water is calming, restorative and promotes well-being. The mildly meditative state that results from our interaction with water has been coined “blue mind” by […]
A Conversation with Paul Waring – July 2019
This month we sat down with Paul Waring, one of the co-founders of Immerst and its parent company, Stephens Waring Yacht Design, to have a chat. What follows is a conversation on why the Immerst concept is the right idea for the times. Good morning, Paul. We know that Immerst was launched to fulfill requests from people who wanted to experience on-water living without the hassle of boat ownership. https://stephenswaring.com/immerst/ Have the motivations for building on the water changed since you and Bob (Stephens, SWYD/Immerst co-founder) decided to launch this new company? From the beginning, the vision has always been […]