In the dynamic world of luxury furnishings, a new player is redefining the boundaries between nautical, outdoor, and hospitality spaces. It’s called Nautys, a brand born from the synergy of three companies of excellence: Summit X, Studio Lucchesedesign, and Gallinea. To fully understand the vision, innovations, and ambitions of this project, we met with its protagonists: SeHo Park, CEO of Nautys and Summit X; Francesco Lucchese, founder of Studio Lucchesedesign; and Andrea Gallinea, owner of the company of the same name.
Korean technology and Italian craftsmanship
The Nautys project, as SeHo Park, CEO of Nautys and Summit X, tells us, is the result of a bold ambition: “The birth of Nautys is the result of a dream: to combine Korean technological excellence with Italian creativity.” Summit X, the company that distributes HIMACS materials in Italy, joined forces with Studio Lucchesedesign for the design and Gallinea for the technological solutions, creating a brand whose name itself evokes “the idea of navigation and adventure.”
Summit X’s international and multi-sector experience played a crucial role. “Technology and electronics have shaped Nautys’ innovative and tailor-made approach, particularly with regard to technological integration,” explains Park. “The expertise and precision standards acquired in demanding sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace translate directly into the quality and functionality of Nautys products.”
Nautys’ philosophy is based on two pillars: “technological innovation and environmental sustainability,” says Park. “On the one hand, we aim to push the boundaries of design with cutting-edge solutions; on the other, we want to guarantee durable, low-impact products. We believe that an object designed to last over time is inherently sustainable, because it reduces waste and frequent replacements.”
Design, Emotion, and HIMACS
Behind the refined aesthetics of Nautys is the hand of Francesco Lucchese, founder of Studio Lucchesedesign and artistic director of the brand. “Nautys was born from the desire to combine complementary skills,” explains Lucchese. “Lucchesedesign brought its decades of experience in product design, Summit X its innovative and tailor-made vision, and Gallinea contributed with technologies dedicated to the yachting sector. LX Hausys, with its Solid Surface HIMACS, provided the main material for the project.“
The inspiration for the Nautys collections is deeply linked to the sea. ”The inspiration comes from the sea, as a natural place where man lives spontaneously with great positive emotion,” says Lucchese. The goal is to create a “synesthetic” experience that connects the user to the marine environment through design and materials.
The material chosen, HIMACS, is a distinctive element. “HIMACS is a latest-generation solid surface developed in South Korea,” explains Park. Lucchese highlights its unique features: “HIMACS is a latest-generation solid surface characterized by great strength and versatility. It offers extraordinary resistance to external agents—UV rays, salt, temperatures—and thanks to its malleability, it allows for the creation of complex shapes without limits.“ Its surface is ”perfectly smooth and non-porous, with no visible joints, ensuring ease of cleaning, maximum hygiene standards, and durability over time.”
When asked about the advantages and challenges compared to traditional materials, Lucchese adds: “The chemical composition of the material makes it naturally resistant to salt and sea humidity, while the white finish reflects heat, reducing overheating in the sun.” This makes it ideal for use on yachts and in outdoor environments, while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic that also suits modern settings.
Sustainability is intrinsic to the choice of HIMACS. “We focus on product durability as the first form of sustainability. Using quality materials means that the furnishings will last a long time, reducing waste and frequent replacements,” says Lucchese.
Customization is another strength. “The watchword is tailor-made,” emphasizes Lucchese. “Thanks to the versatility of HIMACS solid surface, we can create every piece to measure: dimensions, thicknesses, finishes, and even technological details are defined together with the customer based on the needs of the boat or specific project.”
Among the flagship products, Lucchese describes the modular bar counter and glass tower, both in HIMACS, with soft curves and rounded corners, integrating sinks, refrigerators, and LED lighting for a dramatic effect. The storage tables offer space-saving solutions with hidden compartments, while the sofas feature “spacious, ergonomic volumes in HIMACS Alpine White combined with soft outdoor cushions” and “sculptural armrests with circular perforations carved into the mass.”
The Technological Soul: Engineering and Reliability Made in Italy
The contribution of Andrea Gallinea is fundamental to the technological integration and durability of Nautys products. “We are the distributors for Nautys products in the nautical sector,” explains Gallinea. “The project was also born thanks to the link between SeHo Park, which is part of Summit X, and LG (now LX). A friendship between their families that dates back to the 1970s.”
Gallinea technology has been integrated directly into Nautys furnishings. “We followed the entire technical evolution, offering support similar to that of an in-house technical office,” says Gallinea. The goal was to extend the experience in movement from the nautical sector to the outdoor and civil sectors.
Among the specific innovations, Gallinea highlights the movements powered by a “removable battery pack,” similar to that of a smartphone, integrated into the structure of the object without the need for complex wiring or Atex certifications. This greatly simplifies installation: “Imagine you want to mount a table leg on a boat… instead of dealing with cables and fire certifications, you fix the column with four screws. The battery pack is integrated, and when it runs out, you just take it out and recharge it. That’s it“.
Nautys products also include other technological features: ”Some items include wireless charging for cell phones, audio amplifiers, and other elements designed to enhance the onboard or outdoor experience. Everything is designed to be subtle, elegant, and functional.“
With over 60 years of experience in the nautical sector, Gallinea has a deep understanding of extreme conditions. “We have very strict protocols,” explains Gallinea, citing the example of windshield wipers tested for three weeks on dry and wet glass to simulate real salt and sun conditions. For other movements, “sealing tests, load tests, and movement cycles are performed. The columns and motors are IP68 certified. We use salt spray chambers to test corrosion resistance.“
Collaboration with designers is essential. “We have a great relationship with Francesco. He has great aesthetic sensitivity, works to the millimeter, but also understands that an object has to work. There is a nice balance between design and functionality,” says Gallinea. This synergy allows us to offer “maximum flexibility” in customization for shipyards and architects, adapting shapes, materials, and finishes.
Looking to the future, Gallinea sees an opportunity to integrate LG products into the Nautys range, such as IP68 outdoor cooktops, which would represent “a big step forward” in the nautical world. Gallinea’s philosophy can be summed up as “beautiful, integrated, easy-to-install objects that are, above all, reliable over time. And with complete customization options.”
The Future of Nautys: Expansion and Continuous Innovation
Nautys was born with a marine soul, but its reach is already expanding. “The characteristics of our products—high resistance, ease of maintenance, and elegance—make them ideal for outdoor use on land as well. We can already see them in gardens, terraces, and hotel and resort poolside areas,” explains Park. The brand is also entering the contract world, including “restaurants, bars, spas, and luxury offices looking for innovative and durable furnishings.”
The future of Nautys is marked by expansion and continuous innovation. “We are working on new collections and experimenting with further applications of HIMACS technology,” reveals Park. The brand will be present at important industry events with the aim of consolidating the brand and finding new international partners.
In short, Nautys aims to become “a global benchmark for custom-made hi-tech furniture, always keeping innovation, quality, and sustainability as its guiding principles.” An ambitious project that promises to transform the way we live and interact with outdoor and marine spaces, combining aesthetics, functionality, and a deep respect for the environment.
Giacomo Barbaro
