Uros Pavasovic Studio Unveils Bold New Concepts

London-based superyacht design firm Uros Pavasovic Studio celebrates its first anniversary with the release of two creative yacht concepts. Showcasing the imaginative flair and artistic vision that the eponymous designer is renowned for, the striking 40m EX40 and 130m Cobra tap into two key trends on the superyacht market at present – explorer aesthetics and bold, innovative artistry.

EX40 is a fully-custom design originally conceived for a client who, having failed to find something that matched his tastes on the yacht market, turned to Pavasovic to realise his vision. The brief asked for a refined and elegant explorer aesthetic with robust capabilities on a 40m+ platform that would stand the test of time.

The main deck master suite contains a large office with the option of a private fold-down balcony. Five luxurious guest cabins reside on the lower deck, with flexibility for one to be easily converted into a gym or spa if required. The brief also requested two options for a large full-beam beach club – one open, one closed.

“Both stern design proposals were conceived with the aim to preserve a delicate balance between privacy and unrestricted views of the sea,” says Pavasovic. “An open connection to the sea merged with privacy and shelter was central to the owner’s vision.”  

In contrast, 130m Cobra is a work of creative indulgence, inspired and influenced from several directions. Subtle references to military aircraft run throughout the design, such as the forward superstructure inspired by a streamlined fighter jet canopy. The recent early retirement of Jumbo Jets following Covid-19 has also had a visual impact on Pavasovic’s blue sky thinking.

“News of all those discarded airplanes and their perfectly functioning jet engines made me wonder how they could be re-purposed in a Mad Max-inspired, post-pandemic world,” says Pavasovic. “Cobra is a 130m hybrid yacht with exposed jet engines that are used to efficiently power the generators. It pushes our understanding of design parameters, and yet is, in fact, buildable. It might look like science fiction, but it's not total fantasy. The only unreal element is that those engines would be loud!”

Since entering the yacht design world in 2006, Pavasovic has built a reputation for possessing exceptional creativity and drive. He spent seven years at world renowned Winch Design as a conceptual designer, where he focused on superyacht exteriors, including 99m Madame Gu, 90m Phoenix 2, 85m Ace and 62m Sea Owl. He also provided creative input on multiple architectural concepts and private jet interiors.

The following seven years were spent at equally celebrated London-based studio Terence Disdale Design where Pavasovic gained in depth and exclusive insight into the development and construction of highly complex projects while working in close partnership with multiple shipyards on some of the largest superyacht builds in the world.

In 2020, Pavasovic began a new design chapter and founded his own highly personable studio, which delivers designs ranging from understated elegance to bold and boundary-pushing superyacht exteriors underpinned by strong technical expertise.

“My ability to combine design management experience with technical requirements and creative ideas gives me real edge on the superyacht design circuit,” says Pavasovic. “I bring a multifaceted approach that considers all aspects of yacht design, taking into account owner’s lifestyle, guest comfort, ease of crew circulation, maintenance and practicality. All of these elements define the layout, detailing and overall look of a yacht while still aiming to create the most enjoyable ownership experience. This resonates with my clients as it enables me to be super imaginative, yet realistic, too.”

Pavasovic’s enthusiasm for yacht design stems from childhood summers spent in Croatia’s picturesque UNESCO-protected Krka National Park. It was witnessing the superyachts docked in Skradin marina all those years ago that led him to later complete a degree in Architecture and then obtain a master’s degree in Vehicle Design from London’s prestigious Royal College of Art. Today, he takes a highly personalised, holistic approach, blending his informed imaginings with the nuts and bolts of shipbuilding to design boats of all sizes. Current projects include a 90m explorer with a European shipyard and a sporty new tender design for UK boatbuilder Falcon Tenders.