Description:

Inspired by the resilient Toroa, this boat is specifically designed to thrive in the subantarctic islands off the south coast of Aotearoa. These islands are the breeding grounds for endangered Toroa, a bird renowned as a great navigator of the ocean. The Toroa embark on long journeys, hunting of the coast of South America before circumnavigating the globe and returning to their breeding grounds in Campbell Island.

Our vessel is purpose-built to support research and facilitate adventures along the rugged coastlines of the South Pacific. It is engineered to navigate the world's roughest oceans, providing a reliable base for adventurers while assisting climate and conservation researchers. The open decks offer a multifunctional space for tasks such as tagging endangered birds, deploying research equipment, and storing gear. The cabins are designed to accommodate 4-8 crew members and feature self-contained facilities.

The unique hull design, characterized by wide and tall shoulders, ensures stability and protects against large swells, guaranteeing the safety of the crew. Additionally, an elevated cockpit serves as a vantage point for the captain and asymmetrical layout allows for seamless flow between exterior areas while maximising internal space. These features combine to create a true companion, enabling both adventurers and researchers to explore the wild and untouched areas of Aotearoa.

Following the project brief, the design was translated from a digital space that included CAD, VR, digital illustration, and AI image generation, into a physical scale model. The model primarily utilized 3D printing techniques, incorporating both FDM and SLA technologies. Following the printing process, the model underwent meticulous hand finishing and painting. The decking material chosen for the model is natural cork, selected for its fast-growing nature and ability to be harvested in a non-destructive way.

Ultimately Toroa is a vessel designed to flourish in the harshest coastal environmnets, it seeks to embody the spirit of exploration while being an active participant in the protection of coastal environments and the diverse array of species that inhabit them.