Restaurant IRIS at Salmon Eye | Kvorning Design

Nestled within the floating art installation Salmon Eye and framed by the majestic Hardangerfjord in Norway, the Michelin-starred Restaurant Iris invites guests into a world of sustainable gourmet excellence. The restaurant's interior, crafted by Norm Architects, masterfully contrasts and complements the innovative, ellipsoid architecture designed by Kvorning Design

Upon arriving at Restaurant Iris after an unforgettable boat journey, guests can indulge in a set tasting menu that emphasizes sustainability, local ingredients, and the vibrant life beneath the sea. This extraordinary dining experience is further enhanced by breathtaking panoramic views of the fjord, glaciers, and majestic mountains.

The restaurant's interior masterfully contrasts and complements the innovative and rather brutalist architecture of Salmon Eye. The undulating curves of the interior are complemented by bespoke furniture that harmonizes with the room's smooth arches, avoiding the imposition of conventional rectangular pieces.

To enhance the sense of intimacy in this unusual location, the once open room has been divided into smaller, more comforting spaces. This strategic division not only creates a hierarchy within the space but also piques curiosity, ensuring that guests discover the beauty of the restaurant gradually, rather than all at once upon entry.

While the imposing steel construction speaks of strength and modernity, elements of warmth and comfort, such as walnut wood and plush carpets, create a homey, inviting setting that appeals to the human senses. This cozy retreat, set against the expansive ocean backdrop, offers an intimate dining experience in the often harsh Nordic climate.

The table setting is a tribute to the Nordic surroundings, featuring natural materials, earthy tones, and minimalist design that echo the raw beauty of the Hardangerfjord. It enhances the dining experience by grounding guests in the local landscape, setting the stage for a celebration of the deep connection between nature and cuisine.

The natural textures and flowing lines of walnut wood, combined with bespoke furniture and soft, curved elements, bring a sense of comfort and harmony to the space. This integration of organic materials not only enhances the tactile experience but also connects guests to the surrounding natural beauty, reinforcing the restaurant's commitment to sustainability and sensory immersion.
 

The Michelin-starred restaurant welcomes guests into a sustainable gourmet universe, led by acclaimed Danish chef Anika Madsen.

Salmon Eye

Salmon Eye is a world-class visitor and learning center designed to communicate the impact of aquaculture and its production techniques – but is at the same time also a fine dining restaurant after dark. ‘Iris’ is the name – and the unique combination of architecture, design, experience, and exceptional food has gone viral on all media. The exterior design of the center mimics the shiny, silvery skin of salmon and the shape takes after the fish’s eye – hence the name of the center Salmon Eye. It glistens brightly in the Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most stunning fjords, and can be seen from miles away –  it can even be seen from an airplane landing at the nearby airport or through the latest uploaded satellite images made by Google Earth. Indeed, it is quickly becoming an iconic, floating landmark in Norway. 

Sustainable aquaculture in new evolutionary way
Salmon Eye intends to be a leading forum for learning, teaching, and holding open discussions about tomorrow’s salmon farming. The aim is to build and evolve toward creating highly sustainable means of aquaculture practices. For many years now Eide Fjordbruk has been on the forefront of developing highly sustainable salmon farming: indeed, they were the first fish farming company to produce carbon-neutral salmon and the first to share environmental reports. One of their latest implemented policies was to have their working boats and facilities be fully operational on green energy. In addition, they are also in the final phase of developing a new closed technology system, called Watermoon, which enables them to farm in the fjord with no negative impact on the local environment, climate, and other animal and plant species. 

CONCEPT
Salmon Eye is a spectacular, floating visitor attraction, art installation, and fine dining restaurant in Norway’s Hardangerfjord, aiming to explore how to feed the planet with sustainable seafood in the future.
 
DESIGN PROCESS
True to its nature and Kvorning Design’s initial visuals, Salmon Eye stands out in its ellipsoid design. Bathed in 9,250 stainless steel plates – shaped like fish scales to imitate the appearance and color of a salmon’s skin. Iconic from idea to final design.
 
CONSTRUCTION
1,000 sq m space for unique experiences and a total height of 15 m. The interior space spans 4 levels. Anchored at the bottom with 3 long wires, Salmon Eye is built at a ship wharf and technically registered as a boat.
 
EXPEDITION
Ensuring a sustainable expedition for all visitors two electric shuttle ferries are key. On arrival, guests are treated with a captivating and immersive cinematic experience.
 
BELOW THE SURFACE
To feed the future, we need to look below the surface. Setting new standards for sustainable aquaculture in every way. Design, research, technology, and experiences.
 
EDUCATION AND DIALOGUE
Education, dialogue, and open discussions about the future of fish farming and sustainable food production fostering innovations and catalyzing political change.
 
CONFERENCE AND FINE DINING
The immersive interior with cinema space, inclusive long, curved ramps, and a top floor fine dining restaurant named ‘Iris’, focusing on the concept of ‘zero km food’.

CREDITS 
Client: Eide Fjordbruk, Hålandsdalen, Norway 
Architectural concept and design: Kvorning Design 
Contractor AS: Fluctus, Norway
Fabrication: Marketex Marine, Estonia
Drone video: Håkon Settemsdal 
Photos:
·      Salmon Eye 
·      Håkon Settemsdal 
·      Sebastian L Torjusen 
·      Tobias L Torjusen 
·      Rasmus Jurkatam 
·      John Asle Eivind Hansen 
·      Kvorning Design 
 
Thanks to Eide Fjordbruk, Salmon Eye, and Iris