Superyachts, megayachts, gigayachts… What would be next in the line of luxury vessels meant to satisfy the appetites of even the most discerning of the ultra-rich? Well, the terrayacht, of course!
Lazzarini Design Studio has developed a massive turtle-shaped floating city design for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Pangeos, a 550m long and 610m wide terayacht project, is anticipated to cost roughly US $8 billion.
This ultra-special terrayacht would require a special site to be built, one that does not already exist. The designers have proposed Saudi Arabia as a venue. Before construction could begin, approximately one square kilometer of sea would have to be dredged and a circular dam built. The designers have identified King Abdullah Port, 81 miles north of Jeddah, as the optimal location.
Eight years and $8 billion for the “giant turtle“
According to a statement, once construction begins, it will take around eight years to complete. It is projected to be twice the size of the Roman Colosseum and to seat 60,000 people at its height.
“At the moment, Pangeos is just a concept, but it’s starting to become something more than a computer animation”, said Lazzarini Design Studio Founder Pierpaolo Lazzarini.
Pangea, the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, inspired the terayacht idea.
Guests may unwind by visiting the city’s shopping malls, parks, beach clubs, resorts, and ship and airline ports.
The floating city will make the journey a destination
Pangeos, which is divided into blocks like a real city, has a harbor and main square from which additional structures spiral. An “upper shell” region surrounded by garden areas would serve as an airplane landing zone.
There would be 30,000 “cells” beneath the living space to keep the edifice aloft. Also, the steel would be used to construct the basement. It’d have an enormous draft of 30 meters (98 feet) and a top speed of five knots. But, the “wings” would take energy from the drag and waves smashing against the ship. And solar panels would be installed on the roof to power the yacht.
Instead of leaving from a certain port or following a planned path, the tera-turtle would merely cruise. That way, the floating city will make the journey a destination.
A crowdfunding campaign allows you to purchase anything from a virtual admittance ticket ($16) to a VIP apartment ($169) via NFT. That’s for a virtual apartment, of course. But if you want to buy a real one, you can use that money as a deposit.
Pangeos is still at the conceptual stage for the time being. However, if the Saudi government accepts and the $8 billion is acquired, development of the futuristic floating metropolis might begin in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking of floating mega structures…
Designers and investors have long been interested in massive floating constructions. Neom’s concept for the world’s largest floating structure, as well as Kempinski’s for Dubai’s first floating resort, are both recent announcements to develop interesting structures that would float.
Saudi Arabia announced the opening of OXAGON, the world’s largest floating industrial complex and the world’s first fully integrated port and supply chain ecosystem, in November 2021.
The location of OXAGON is in NEOM, a $500 billion futuristic megacity planned for northern Saudi Arabia. The main urban environment, which encompasses a huge area in the southwest part of NEOM, is centered on the integrated port and logistics hub. It will house the bulk of the city’s projected population. The octagonal design has a low environmental effect and excellent land use. The remaining left open to conserve 95% of the natural environment.
Kempinski also unveiled plans to create what they claim as the world’s first floating resort at Jumeirah, Dubai. They will build it in collaboration with Seagate Shipyard, the hotel chain said at the end of last year.
The Kempinski Floating Palace will open as a floating structure surrounded by 12 floating luxury homes.
When it opens its doors in 2023, the hotel is intended to be positioned as a one-of-a-kind. It would be a novelty that offers unforgettable moments and an exceptional experience to all visitors, according to the hospitality group.
