Hospitality Yacht
Vela
Marine-Grade Glulam Structural System Engineered for a 50-Metre Phinisi Yacht
Architect
Yatch Sourcing
year
2021
location
Bali, Indonesia
size
164 ft / 50 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
Vela is a 50-meter hospitality yacht operating under constant motion, vibration, salt exposure, and marine humidity.
Unlike static architecture, structural loads are dynamic and continuous.
Objective
The objective was to validate Glulam performance under maritime conditions by proving:
• High strength-to-weight structural efficiency
• Dimensional stability under oscillation
• Resistance to salt-laden humidity exposure
• Precision fabrication for marine-grade assembly tolerances
This project extended engineered timber from architecture into structural marine application.
The Constraints
Continuous Dynamic Loading
Unlike static buildings, the yacht operates under constant motion.
Structural members were subjected to:
• Cyclical lateral loading
• Hull vibration
• Wind-induced forces
• Torsional movement
Load paths had to absorb stress without brittle failure.
Connection detailing required vibration tolerance and repeated stress-cycle consideration.
Marine Salt and Humidity Exposure
Marine conditions introduce:
• Salt-laden air
• High humidity
• Rapid moisture cycling
• UV exposure
Adhesive systems, surface protection, and detailing required marine-grade performance logic.
Durability had to address both structural integrity and long-term bonding stability.
Weight Sensitivity
Excess structural mass affects vessel stability and balance.
Members had to achieve:
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Predictable stiffness
• Dimensional reliability
Reducing unnecessary mass directly contributes to vessel safety and performance.
The Engineering
Glulam for Cyclical Marine Loading
Marine conditions impose vibration, load reversal, and lateral stress cycles. Glulam was used for predictable bending behavior and controlled elasticity, reducing brittle failure risk under fatigue.
Species and Weight Logic
Jabon was selected for strength-to-weight efficiency and consistent lamination behavior. Lower mass improves vessel stability and reduces inertial forces under motion, which reduces stress on connections.
Block Beam Assembly System
Large members required a block beam approach. Multiple glulam components were stacked into a larger section through precision-aligned assembly and controlled bonding, allowing increased section size while maintaining dimensional control.
Connection Strategy for Movement
Interfaces were detailed to avoid stress concentration under vibration and repeated load reversal. Connection design prioritized stable clamping behavior and tolerance for thermal and moisture cycling.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
Marine Structural Performance Demonstrated
Vela confirmed that engineered Glulam members can perform under continuous motion, vibration, and cyclic loading when connection interfaces are designed for stress reversal and fatigue behavior.
Strength-to-Weight Strategy Validated
The project reinforced a critical maritime principle: reducing mass while maintaining stiffness improves vessel stability and reduces load demand on joints under movement.
Fabrication Capability Expanded
Development of the block beam assembly system increased Woodlam’s capacity to fabricate larger structural members beyond single lamination limits while maintaining dimensional control.
This capability transfer strengthened later long-span and high-load fabrication work.
Cross-Industry Engineering Credibility Established
Vela positioned Woodlam beyond architectural interiors and buildings by demonstrating engineered timber performance in an extreme, mobile environment with non-negotiable load behavior constraints.
Location
Bali, Indonesia
Jl. Nirjhara Banjar Kedungu Belalang, Kediri Tabanan, 82121 INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
Why use Glulam on a yacht instead of solid timber?
Glulam provides higher structural consistency, reduced internal defects, and better strength-to-weight performance. It allows predictable elastic behaviour under dynamic loading conditions.
What is a block beam system?
A block beam system assembles multiple Glulam components into a larger structural section. This enables fabrication of members beyond single-piece lamination limits while maintaining dimensional accuracy.
How does timber perform under constant motion?
Glulam can flex within safe limits without cracking when properly engineered. Adhesive selection, moisture detailing, and connection design are critical for marine durability under vibration and cyclic load.
What did Woodlam fabricate on Vela?
Woodlam engineered and fabricated the primary glulam structural members integral to the vessel’s load-bearing system and supported key alignment stages to ensure structural geometry matched marine performance requirements.