Nestled amidst the mountains and glaciers of Western Norway, the Hardangerfjord is home to a thriving salmon industry that has redefined the region’s economy. Floating upon these waters is the Salmon Eye—a striking steel ellipsoid clad in scales that mimic the very fish it celebrates.

Inside this avant-garde structure, Norm Architects faced a unique creative hurdle: how to establish the intimate warmth required of a Michelin-starred restaurant within a space designed primarily for visual spectacle.

Located in the heart of the floating art installation Salmon Eye and framed by the majestic Hardangerfjord in Norway, the Iris restaurant invites its guests on a gastronomic journey of excellence and sustainability.

The solution was found in material contrast. While the exterior, designed by Kvorning Design, is defined by sharp geometry and metallic reflections, the interior embraces walnut wood, wool, and tactile comfort. Soft carpets dampen every step, and plush, upholstered seating invites guests to linger. The result is a protective cocoon—a serene sanctuary hidden inside a structure that feels part spaceship, part submarine.