Between the sky, the earth and the mountains, a Salmon Eye art installation floats on the sparkling water, the Michelin-starred restaurant Iris, which, when viewed from the side, looks like the building is growing out of the water. The restaurant naturally exists in its environment, which is amazing.

The restaurant was founded by Eide Fjordbruk, a family-owned company committed to sustainability and innovation, with the goal of producing better products with minimal environmental impact. As such, the restaurant is named after the Greek goddess Iris, messenger of the sea and heaven, and this symbolism also hints at the restaurant's excellent location among the "fish eyes".

A Building in the Form of a Salmon

Located in the heart of Hardangerfjord fjord in Westland, western Norway, the restaurant was designed by architects Kvorning Design, who took inspiration from the biological structure of salmon and gave it a shiny silver "skin" using scales evolved from 9,250 high-grade stainless steel plates. Making it the visual focal point of the fjord.

A Multi-Sensory Dining Tour

Restaurant Iris has created an adventure style dining ceremony, guests need to arrive by boat to enjoy the fun of nature during the process. From the moment you step into this floating structure, you begin a multi-sensory dining experience.

Entering the restaurant, through the Windows, you can see the beautiful fjord, magnificent glaciers and mountains, and the dishes carefully configured by Danish chef Anika Madsen create a deep connection between the visiting guests and the fjord ecosystem.

Respond to the Original Beauty with Design

The restaurant has four floors, one of which is underwater, and every detail of the interior has been carefully designed by Norm Architects to enhance the dining experience. The natural texture and smooth lines of walnut, paired with custom furniture and soft curved elements, give the space a comfortable sense of harmony. The choice of wood and the use of organic forms contrast with the restaurant's unique, innovative and barbaric architecture, which together create an intimate warm atmosphere.

The setting of the table is intended to pay homage to the natural surroundings of Northern Europe - using natural materials, earthen tones and minimalist design forms, it responds to the pristine beauty of the fjord and creates an immersive dining environment by incorporating the surrounding landscape into the interior.

Rejecting traditional design methods, the designers adopted a fluid, organic form that allows custom furniture to echo the arch structure of the building. Details such as portable light fixtures, hand-woven carpets and custom service areas add to the atmosphere of understated luxury and reflect the harmony of design and function.

Hierarchical Exploration and Discovery

In order to ensure the privacy of the lounge area, the once open floor plan is cleverly divided into small and comfortable Spaces. This layered design encourages guests to explore the restaurant and establish a deeper connection with its surroundings, while further highlighting the restaurant's goal of sustainability and sensory immersion.

In essence, Restaurant Iris transcends the cognitive boundaries of traditional dining Spaces and architecture to provide a unique dining experience that combines nature, design and sustainability in a harmonious balance between industrial strength and physical comfort. Here, guests can enjoy an unprecedented sensory feast in the pristine beauty of Northern Europe, and realize the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.