Localized within the captivating Salmon Eye installation and floating above the majestic waters of Norway’s Hardangerfjord, Restaurant Iris is not just a place for Michelin-star dining; it’s a harmonious blend of architectural designing and sustainable gourmet experiences.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the project is a collaboration between design by architect Norm Architects, known for their sleek and minimalistic interiors, and designer architects Kvorning Design, who conceived the building’s striking ellipsoid shape.
So, what makes this floating restaurant an extraordinary destination? Let’s dive into its story.
Who designed Restaurant Iris and the Salmon Eye?
Restaurant Iris is the result of an incredible partnership between two renowned architectural firms. The interior was shaped by Norm Architects, a team that excels at creating warm, inviting spaces through a minimalistic lens.
The exterior architecture, including the impressive Salmon Eye structure, was designed by Kvorning Design, whose expertise in architectural designing brought to life the innovative, floating ellipsoid shape. This floating landmark is visible from miles away, shimmering like the skin of a salmon and representing the richness of Norway’s marine life.
Where is Restaurant Iris located?
Restaurant Iris is dramatically located in the Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most iconic natural settings. Guests can only access the restaurant by boat, adding to the sense of adventure. Once there, diners are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding fjord, glaciers, and towering mountains.
The unusual location plays a significant role in the dining experience, as the restaurant’s close connection to nature is echoed throughout its design and cuisine, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
What is the architectural concept behind Restaurant Iris?
The structure itself is an architectural masterpiece. Designed to look like a fish’s eye, the ellipsoid shape of Salmon Eye was a result of designer architects Kvorning Design. The building’s surface is clad in stainless steel scales that mimic the reflective, silvery skin of a salmon. This unique arch design merges modern technology with Norway’s deep-rooted fishing culture.
Inside, the restaurant’s design contrasts and complements the raw power of the building’s steel exterior. Norm Architects worked with natural materials like walnut wood, plush carpets, and bespoke furniture to create a warm, inviting atmosphere amid the otherwise industrial structure.
How does the interior design enhance the dining experience?
The interior of Restaurant Iris offers a striking juxtaposition to the powerful, almost brutalist exterior. Norm Architects used custom-designed furniture, soft lighting, and organic materials to create an intimate dining environment that harmonizes with the building’s flowing lines. By dividing the once-open space into smaller sections, the designer architects managed to establish a sense of intimacy.
This thoughtful layout allows diners to gradually discover the beauty of the space rather than taking it all in at once. The natural textures and earthy tones reflect the surrounding Nordic landscape, deepening the sensory immersion for guests.
How does the design support the restaurant’s sustainability focus?
The sustainable ethos of Restaurant Iris extends beyond its menu, which features locally sourced ingredients, to the very heart of its architectural designing. Both the interior and exterior reflect a commitment to preserving the environment.
The organic materials used inside, such as walnut wood, help connect the building to the natural world surrounding it. Even the table settings, made from natural materials and minimalistic in design, pay homage to the local landscape, grounding guests in the connection between nature and the culinary experience.
What makes the experience at Restaurant Iris unique?
Dining at Restaurant Iris is not just about the food. It’s about being immersed in an architectural journey that echoes the ebb and flow of nature.
From the dramatic boat ride to the restaurant, through its breathtaking views of glaciers and fjords. To the tactile pleasure of dining in a space meticulously crafted by design by architect Norm Architects. Everything about the experience is designed to heighten the senses.
What role does the Salmon Eye structure play beyond housing Restaurant Iris?
Salmon Eye is more than just the home of a Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s a visitor and information center dedicated to raising awareness about aquaculture. The 1,000-square-meter structure, designed by Kvorning Design, is an architectural beacon for sustainability.
Its arch design is symbolic of the marine life that sustains much of the world, and the shimmering stainless steel exterior evokes the scales of the salmon that thrive in the surrounding waters.
Final Thoughts
Restaurant Iris offers an experience that combines architectural designing with sustainable dining, providing guests with more than just a meal. The collaboration between designer architects Norm Architects and Kvorning Design has resulted in a space that elevates both food and architecture, with every element designed to inspire and connect guests to the world around them.
Whether you’re there for the gourmet experience or to marvel at the spectacular arch design of Salmon Eye, this floating restaurant in the Hardangerfjord is a true testament to the power of design by architect.
Credits
Architects: Kvorning Design, NORM Architects
Photographs: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Restaurant Iris
