BURDIFILEK sets sail into the world of luxury yachting with Entourage

11 Jul 2024

BURDIFILEK, a celebrated Toronto-based interior design firm, has set sail on its first yacht design voyage to create a unique project. Much like the serene ocean waves, the 63 m-long Entourage, built by Damen Yachting, offers a sanctuary that whispers tranquillity.

Main deck salon featuring a custom coffee table by Burdifilek. Photo credit: Guillaume Plisson

BURDIFILEK, a celebrated Toronto-based interior design firm, has set sail on its first yacht design voyage to create a unique project. Much like the serene ocean waves, the 63 m-long Entourage, built by Damen Yachting, offers a sanctuary that whispers tranquillity. Neither the anticipated dazzling lights nor the myriad of intricate finishes extend one’s greetings. As time unfolds, one discovers the delicate balance between design and comfort that fills the space.

Entourage won the prestigious BOAT International World Superyacht Awards 2024 in the Displacement Motor Yachts 500GT to 999GT category; and The Boat Innovation & Design Awards 2024 in the Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 500GT category.

The desire to create luxury through artistic flair and abundant detailing always permeates a designer’s mind. However, BURDIFILEK’s composed design ethos takes on a unique hue. Above the water’s surface, the firm’s design does not contend with the beauty of surrounding nature but rather seamlessly guides one’s mind into a world of repose.

“We wanted the exterior surrounding to start the visual dialogue with the interior environment, so embracing the language of marine design was the beginning of the narrative in the studio,” explains Diego Burdi, Creative Director and Founding Partner at BURDIFILEK. “The initial impression is rather understated, and creating understated luxury was key during the design process.”

Stepping onto the main deck, the interior almost dissolves into a merger of sky and sea. On the main deck, one is immediately struck by the interplay with nature, with expansive windows that stretch from ceiling to floor creating a tableau of grandeur. The meticulously chosen fumed oak wall completes the frame, casting a warm undertone. Restrained curves add a touch of gentleness, complemented by thoughtfully curated furnishings. The custom-designed furniture, with a hint of blush and sand-coloured carpets, infuses a tapestry of colours and rich textures to elevate the overall coherence of the contemporary classic masterpiece.

A staircase, visible through the passage, captures one’s gaze with its fluid undulations conjuring an artistic expression in motion. Enveloped by walls upholstered in soft leather, the bold metal core strikes an elegant equilibrium. Indirect ceiling lights gently cleanse the space, while the organic opening on the wall introduces a splash of colour, infusing elements of surprise and playfulness.

The stateroom evokes further curiosity with its clean and bright ceiling, headboard-on-tone leather-panelled walls and headboard to introduce comfortable softness to the room. The azure sea beyond the window serves as a backdrop to the pastel, blue-toned furnishings, resulting in diverse textures, transparency, and varying degrees of sheen. This interaction fills the master bedroom with elegance and sophistication.

Ascending the staircase, the shifting landscape is revealed as a wooden ceiling ushers in a cosier sensation. The layered ceiling planes infuse a sense of depth, while the interplay of lighting orchestrates a soft luminosity. The curation of furniture shifts harmoniously with the space's essence, guiding it towards an unbuttoned and welcoming milieu.

“A considered environment can’t be underestimated,” states Diego Burdi. “At every stage of the process, there was a commitment to a perfect level of execution from everyone involved.”

Simplicity reigns as all functional components remain concealed, yet uncovering them imparts a unique experience. When the door of the cocktail bar swings open, much like unveiling a cabinet of curiosities, a new narrative takes its place. A sophisticated colour choice, reminiscent of a deep blue ocean, blends harmoniously with the adjacent wood finish. The soft leather panels and sleek lustre of the lower counter establish a lush juxtaposition, while indirect illumination accentuates the contours and tactile qualities of the leather. The duration of tranquil, pewter-toned furnishings upon a backdrop of muted blue carpet establishes a harmonious and refined ambience.

Stepping out into the outdoor space to savour a cocktail reveals a welcoming lounge that serves as a perfect complement to the moment. Custom-designed outdoor lounge furniture adorns the bridge and sun deck, seamlessly integrating into the form of the space. The soft curves of the ergonomically designed pieces, draped in neutral-toned fabrics, strike a harmonious balance with the classic touch of brown wood finishes. This exquisite and inviting scene immerses you in the gentle embrace of the breeze.

“The importance of a dry finish pallet was paramount to not compete with the reflectivity of the surrounding waters,” adds Burdi.

The interior of the lowermost guest room is captivating with its sculptural shell that encircles the entire space. Resonating with the boat's form, the half-wall skin that follows its contours creates a warm and cosy atmosphere, embracing both the space and its occupants. The interplay of curves and straight lines, combined with captivating lighting, creates a sensation of escaping into a distinct world. The meticulous seaming of the leather panels and the seamless integration of functional elements showcase a commitment to attention to detail, and a pursuit of a concise, intuitive design. The bathroom, finished in limestone, places a confident emphasis on design and the importance of both form and aesthetics.

The initial understated impression gradually comes to life as one traverses the spaces, imparting a fresh realm of luxury. Subdued, yet distinctly resonating with its voice, the spaces strike a delicate equilibrium where the quintessential act of repose takes precedence. A voyage to unearth the unique voice of this exceptional yacht posed a fresh challenge for Burdifilek, and the outcome suggests a concept of luxury seen through a new lens.