PROJECT : CayoTITLE : Louis Vuitton Pacific Series

CLIENT : Coast New ZealandPROJECT CODE : 5401

DATE : 29/04/09AUTHOR : Locus Research

KEYWORDS : Cayo, Production, Furniture, LVPS

DOCUmENT RELEASE : Confidential Public

COPYRIGHT NOTICE : This document and the research it contains has been undertaken explicitly for the use of Locus Research. No part of this document can be used or disclosed without express written consent.

Louis Vuitton Pacific Series VIP LoungeCoast New Zealand and Locus Research have collaborated to create two stunning spaces for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series that was held in February of 2009. The project has seen the production of Coast’s revamped Cayo collection installed in the VIP and sailor’s lounges during the series.

The Project ContextChanges to the format of sailing’s America’s Cup brought about the creation of a new challenge under the new moniker of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series (LVPS). An exciting addition to the Auckland racing calendar, word soon got around about the requirements that such a high profile event would entail.

The BriefIn November 2008, Coast New Zealand founder Alex Webster informed the team at Locus of his intention to put forward a VIP lounge proposal for the new sailing challenge. The brief required the creation of two interior spaces for the world renowned sponsors, one to function as an exclusive VIP lounge and the other a relaxation area for the sailor’s and their families to use during the series.

The team at Locus worked with Alex to create a compelling design proposal that excited the LV team. The concept sought to create a coastal environment that aligned with the ‘Simple Elegance’ that embodies the Louis Vuitton brand. The LV team bought into the whole idea, causing wheels to start spinning later in November to ensure all of the elements came together.

The ProcessBecause Locus had already been working on a revamp of the Cayo collection with Coast, the two spaces were designed around this furniture. Although not yet at a final production stage; initial renderings of the new products were generated and presented to Louis Vuitton who approved of the look and feel these provided. The project team then got together to generate ideas for the layout of the spaces, sketching concepts of the interior and the overall concept proposal which also met with approval.

LVPS LogoFigure 1.

Execution of the proposal required a high degree of collaboration with other parties to ensure that the lounges showcased NZ design to the anticipated large and international audience. A good deal of thought and time went into finding design partners that were a suitable fit for the event. Wood product specialists, Verda, were brought in to provide a sophisticated range of decking for the lounge settings; Doyle Sailmakers supplied custom made sails to divide the spaces; and Adam Ellis of Pollen added his striking planters to the mix.

Concurrent work was being undertaken at Locus Research during this time to prepare for pre-production of the Cayo products. Changes to the designs still had to be qualified so prototyping was carried out with a local producer before commencing manufacture of the final units for the lounges.

The design partners carried out the manufacture of their respective products in house, with additional design work for peripherals such as the seating pods and sail stands undertaken by Locus and outsourced to ShopFX in Auckland for manufacture.

All hands were on deck at the venue during installation to ensure the vision was executed to a highly professional standard. The addition of finishing touches was provided by Claire mora of Essenze with a plethora of greenery supplied by the Auckland City Council’s own nursery

The ConceptCombining the understated elegance of the Louis Vuitton brand with the fresh, clean look of the Coast products proved to be a harmonious arrangement. Because of the incredibly large floor areas afforded by the site, the basic concept for the spaces was to provide floating platforms on which the furniture would be displayed. This was carried out in both lounges with a slight differentiation between the feel of the VIP lounge and the sailors retreat. It was decided that the VIP lounge was to retain an elegant sophistication for entertaining while the sailors were to enjoy a slightly more relaxed area where they could socialise and watch the racing when they were off the water.

An additional area was also proposed to form an outdoor deck or patio on the waterfront to make the most of the summer weather and to allow the sailors to interact with the many spectators who were to visit the viaduct during the series.

Initial Concept SketchesFigure 2.

Seat Detail of Three Seater PrototypeFigure 3.

Interior of the Sailor’s LoungeFigure 4.

Outdoor Patio AreaFigure 5.

The SolutionThe overall LVPS lounge concept was made up of the following components:

Cayo FurnitureAs a newly refurbished collection for Coast, the Cayo range reinterprets timber furniture for the modern life, by extending the life span and reducing product maintenance. Its elegant simplicity enables it to be at home in many different environments and architectural styles.

The range uses the latest manufacturing technology in the raw material processing (the timber), the machining, and the finishing. All products are made using painted timber from a sustainably managed source and created with an attention to detail that is particular to Coast, including the use of stainless fastenings and stylish furnishings in hardwearing sunbrella and dripore foam.

DecksDecking elements called for a sophisticated product, which Verda New Zealand presented with aplomb. The Locus team have done a lot of work with R&D manager John Gifford over the years and their high quality materials were an obvious fit. The decks perform a critical role in defining the space and creating islands on which the furniture was presented in lounge settings.

PodsA design driven by necessity, the pods are a simple box-like configuration that can be used as a bar leaner, side table or casual seating when required. Shiplap weatherboards reinforced the Coast aesthetic within the space and provided the perfect backdrop for conversation amongst the guests.

Cayo Furniture in the VIP lounge.Figure 6.

Cayo slatted seat detail.Figure 7.

Detail of V3 Timber Decking by Verda.Figure 8.

Shiplap pod in the VIP lounge.Figure 9.

PlantersTo create a sense of space in the 7.5 metre stud of the sailor’s lounge and in the surrounding outdoor areas, Pollen Aerial planters were chosen. These unique products designed by Adam Ellis brought the outside in with a stylistic take on the role of plants in our environment.

SailsTo add to the division of space, a series of small freestanding sails and two large format sails were created by Andy Pilcher’s team at Doyle Sailmakers. These elements create a sense of elegance in the VIP room and a sense of drama in the sailor’s lounge on the ground floor.

The ResultAlthough not an entirely new avenue for Locus, the project presented a welcome challenge to the team in the area of interior design for a large international brand.

The success of both lounges was apparent by frequent use throughout the series by both guests of Louis Vuitton and the sailors themselves. Positive responses were garnered from many different sources including series sponsor, Louis Vuitton.

Pollen planters in the stairwell.Figure 10. Freestanding sails by Doyles.Figure 11.

LVPS sailors taking a well earned break in the lounge during the series.Figure 12.

“We are excited about the series and being back in Auckland racing. The event will bring fun and glamour to the city in a time of lackluster news. As a keen supporter and admirer of New Zealand design I am particularly delighted to be able to provide guests and sailors with such a stunning hospitality area”. Bruno Troublé, Louis Vuitton

Product Design

Applied Research

Sustainablitiy

Manufacturing

Studio mauao

1st Floor, 4A Grove Avenue

P O Box 4141, mt maunganui Sth

Tauranga 3149

Aotearoa - New Zealand

Phone: +64 (07) 571 5007

mobile: 027 240 5781

Fax: +64 (07) 927 3133

enquiries@locusresearch.com

www.locusresearch.com

locusresearch™ is a design company with fresh ideas on design and research. We operate in the four broad areas of Design, Applied Research, Sustainability, and Manufacturing.

In the six years since Locus was started we have built a reputation for deep research, original design and effective implementation. Our approach to sustainability has been pragmatic and practical, we simply aim to address these issues on a daily basis for both ourselves and our clients benefit.

This is achieved with simple design strategies, through to more advanced analysis using life cycle assessment and systemic analysis. As a team we have

an overarching commitment to sustainable product design (SPD) from research into SPD through to commercial applications of the products that we design.

Our focus has been on research and development rather than just design; we drive to deliver a basic point of difference by using research to build a platform for product development and engineering. We believe in the strategic use of design on a short, medium and long term basis.

Locus has a client base that extends from New Zealand to the UK and has an informed international outlook.

Product Design

Applied Research

Sustainablitiy

Manufacturing

Studio mauao

1st Floor, 4A Grove Avenue

P O Box 4141, mt maunganui Sth

Tauranga 3149

Aotearoa - New Zealand

Phone: +64 (07) 571 5007

mobile: 027 240 5781

Fax: +64 (07) 927 3133

enquiries@locusresearch.com

www.locusresearch.com

locusresearch™ is a design company with fresh ideas on design and research. We operate in the four broad areas of Design, Applied Research, Sustainability, and Manufacturing.

In the six years since Locus was started we have built a reputation for deep research, original design and effective implementation. Our approach to sustainability has been pragmatic and practical, we simply aim to address these issues on a daily basis for both ourselves and our clients benefit.

This is achieved with simple design strategies, through to more advanced analysis using life cycle assessment and systemic analysis. As a team we have

an overarching commitment to sustainable product design (SPD) from research into SPD through to commercial applications of the products that we design.

Our focus has been on research and development rather than just design; we drive to deliver a basic point of difference by using research to build a platform for product development and engineering. We believe in the strategic use of design on a short, medium and long term basis.

Locus has a client base that extends from New Zealand to the UK and has an informed international outlook.