Bespoke Artificial Blossom Tree for EXPLORA III
Client: Explora Journeys
Project: Sakura aboard EXPLORA III
Location: Genoa, Italy
Sector: Luxury hospitality / cruise interiors
Installation: Bespoke artificial white blossom tree
Key requirements: Bespoke design, marine fire safety and onboard installation
Taking Twilight Trees to Sea: A Bespoke Artificial Blossom Tree for EXPLORA III
From the drawing board in Winchester to one of Europe’s busiest shipyards, this was bespoke in every sense of the word.
We were commissioned to create a bespoke artificial white blossom tree for Sakura, the Pan-Asian restaurant aboard EXPLORA III, the newest ship to join the Explora Journeys fleet.
The project brought together bespoke artificial tree design, specialist materials and a complex installation within the Genoa shipyard, taking us somewhere rather different from our usual projects.
The Bespoke Artificial Tree Brief
Our brief was to create a striking white blossom tree that would bring height, softness and a sense of nature into Sakura.
Rather than simply standing within the restaurant, the tree was designed to grow upwards and extend across the ceiling, creating an immersive canopy of delicate white blossom overhead.
It needed to feel organic and natural while fitting precisely within the architecture of the space.
Designing for Life at Sea
Creating an artificial tree for a cruise ship brought a completely different set of considerations.
Every detail had to be carefully thought through, from the proportions and structure of the tree to how it would be transported, assembled and secured onboard.
Fire safety was, understandably, a major part of the specification. All components used within the installation had to meet stringent marine fire-safety requirements, influencing our choice of materials from the outset.
It was a brilliant example of what bespoke means to us: finding a way to balance the creative vision with all the practical and technical requirements behind it.
From Winchester to Genoa
With the design finalised and everything ready for installation, the tree was carefully packed for its journey to Italy and members of our team travelled to Genoa to install it onboard.
And what an experience that was.
EXPLORA III was still undergoing her final fit-out when we arrived. The shipyard was incredibly busy, with thousands of people working across the ship and surrounding yard, each busy with their own trade and all heading towards the same deadline.
It was hot, noisy and fascinating to watch.
Everywhere we looked, teams were fitting, finishing, polishing and perfecting their part of the ship. The craftsmanship, attention to detail and precision were extraordinary.
What struck us just as much was the camaraderie. Despite the scale of the operation and the pressure to get everything finished, there was a genuine sense of people helping one another and simply getting stuck in to get the job done.
The construction of an Explora Journeys ship involves more than seven million working hours and an average of 2,500 people over two to three years and standing in the middle of the shipyard, you could absolutely believe it.
Our blossom tree was one tiny element amongst an extraordinary amount of work taking place, but it felt very special to be part of it.
The Installation
Once onboard, the tree was assembled and shaped to work with the architecture of Sakura.
The branches were carefully positioned and the blossom adjusted until the canopy felt balanced, natural and completely at home within the restaurant.
As with so many of our trees, the final touches make all the difference, standing back, looking at the overall shape and making those small adjustments until everything feels just right.
After months of design, sourcing, preparation and planning, seeing the tree finally in position was a very proud moment for the team.
And, being Italy, we naturally managed to fit in some very good pasta along the way!
The Finished Blossom Tree aboard EXPLORA III
The finished artificial blossom tree now sits at the heart of Sakura, its branches reaching across the restaurant to create a soft, immersive canopy of white blossom overhead.
For us, the project brought together so much of what we love about bespoke work – creativity, problem-solving, craftsmanship and collaboration – while giving us a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of an entirely different world.
Shortly after our installation, EXPLORA III left the Genoa shipyard and set off on her maiden voyage, beginning a new chapter travelling to destinations around the world.
And our blossom tree is travelling with her.
Quite a journey from the drawing board in Winchester to sailing the world aboard EXPLORA III.
Planning a Bespoke Project?
Twilight Trees designs and installs bespoke artificial trees and planting for hospitality, retail, interiors and events.
From statement artificial trees and immersive planting to completely bespoke installations, our team can create a scheme designed specifically for your space.
Talk to our Bespoke team about your project.
