Meeting Heesen Yachts’ Bijin: On Board Hot Lab’s Latest 50m Japandi-Inspired Refit Project

The Milan-based design studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group, has revealed its latest refit project: the 50-metre Heesen superyacht Bijin. Formerly known as Sibelle, the yacht was sold in October 2024, with Burgess introducing the buyer and Ocean Independence representing the seller.

The new name, Bijin-a Japanese term meaning “beautiful woman”-perfectly reflects the yacht’s stunning transformation. Originally delivered in 2015 and recognised at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards for its design and engineering excellence, this 50-metre all-aluminium Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) yacht was the first in a successful series of Heesen builds.

The extensive nine-month refit was carried out at Monaco Marine’s La Seyne-sur-Mer shipyard in close collaboration with the owners, Hot Lab, Austrian interior contractors List GC, and the yacht’s crew. The hull was repainted from oyster white and grey to an elegant Matterhorn white and jet black, with a striking sunfast red boot stripe added for extra flair.

A Partnership Built on Trust

As Hot Lab co-founder and design director Enrico Lumini explains, the yacht’s owners had a longstanding friendship with the studio:“We have known each other for many years, which naturally led to a relationship of trust and open communication. When it came time for a significant transformation, it felt natural for them to turn to someone who understood their tastes and expectations.”

Their involvement went far beyond giving feedback. They actively participated at every stage, offering valuable insights that helped overcome challenges and ensured the project was completed on time.

Japandi Serenity at Sea

Inside, Bijin reveals a calming Japandi-inspired interior—Japanese minimalism harmoniously blended with Scandinavian warmth. This design concept was developed by Hot Lab and brought to life by List GC. The owner describes the vision as creating an organic, naturally balanced atmosphere that brings peace and relaxation to all on board.

Since the yacht was kept in excellent condition by her original owners, the interior refit focused on subtle but impactful details: new beds, headboards, curtains, carpets, and loose furniture. The updated palette features softer shades and lighter tones, creating freshness and openness without losing the yacht’s inherent elegance.

A Haven for Relaxation

Among the standout features are the expansive sundeck, ideal for entertaining and socialising, and the upper deck bar, a natural gathering spot.

The owner’s suite offers a particularly impressive layout, with two his-and-hers bathrooms that create an intimate buffer before the main cabin, ensuring privacy and indulgence.

A Dream Collaboration

For project manager Augustin Fabre of Monaco Marine, the outcome exceeded all expectations:

“The end result gives Bijin a striking new identity and optimised functionality, meeting the highest standards.”

Hot Lab co-founder Antonio Romano adds:

“Sometimes a project is more than just work. It becomes a silent dialogue between the dreams of the owner and the soul of the designer. This collaboration was deeply emotional and meaningful.”

Looking ahead, Bijin will be enjoyed both privately and for charter. With her elegance and striking new identity, it comes as no surprise that she is already fully booked for her debut season in the West Mediterranean.