Norway Archives | Moss and Fog

Architecture

Conceptual Floating Homes Bring Modern Architecture to Remote Fjords

March 28, 2026 Architecture

In 1914, Ludwig Wittgenstein built a small cabin on a remote Norwegian fjord to think. Not for comfort, or clarity. It was silence as a tool.

A futuristic spherical house on a rocky shore by a tranquil lake, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.

More than a century later, Dionisio González reimagines that same instinct, but sets it adrift.

Futuristic spherical houses situated by a serene lake, surrounded by steep green cliffs and a cascading waterfall under a cloudy sky.

His speculative series places a cluster of amphibious dwellings directly on the water. Steel-clad forms, low and deliberate, floating in a landscape that feels vast and indifferent.

Each structure is slightly different, but part of the same quiet system. Not quite homes. Not quite machines.

Futuristic architectural structures positioned near a tranquil lake, surrounded by lush green hills and misty mountains.

Where Wittgenstein’s cabin held the edge of land, González removes it entirely. There’s no shoreline here. Just water, distance, and the idea of retreat pushed a little further out.

A panoramic view of modern architectural houses situated on small islands in a serene body of water, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery under a cloudy sky.

The result feels less like architecture and more like a question. What does solitude look like when there’s nowhere left to hide?

It’s not meant to be built, per se. That’s the beauty of it.

A scenic view of a fjord surrounded by rocky mountains, with a distinctive geometric structure resting on a cliff edge.

A futuristic, modern house designed with an organic, spaceship-like shape, situated by a serene lake and surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery.

A futuristic, sculptural house situated on a calm body of water, surrounded by rocky hills and lush greenery.

Futuristic architectural design of a unique house with spherical elements situated by a serene lake, surrounded by lush green mountains and fog.

A futuristic, fish-shaped house situated on a floating platform in a serene lake, surrounded by lush green mountains and cloudy skies.

Two futuristic floating buildings on a serene lake, surrounded by lush green mountains and a cloudy sky.

A futuristic, organic-themed building situated by a calm lake, surrounded by greenery. The structure features large, rounded windows and a prominent yellow roof terrace.

Images © Copyright Dionisio González.

Architecture

Stunning Restaurant Iris Is a Floating Silver Orb

October 3, 2023 Architecture

A literal floating silver orb. Floating calmly in the Norwegian fjords. What is this beautiful madness?

Feeling like a real-life version of the stylized restaurant from “The Menu” film, Restaurant Iris ups the ante with a stunning, orb design that floats upon the Rosendal fjord. Except unlike in the movie, you’ll be returning from this experience very much alive

Featuring 18 courses of impressively stunning and locally foraged food, the Iris is housed in a building called Salmon Eye, and is considered the world’s largest floating art museum, where guests will be educated on some of the more uncommon produce and delicacies from the sea.

“The experience at Iris is, quite literally, a journey. It starts with a boat trip from the picturesque town of Rosendal, with a pit stop and welcoming snack at chef Anika Madsen’s boathouse on the island of Snilstveitøy.

Via the jetty of the floating art installation Salmon Eye, the evening kicks off with a multisensory underwater experience, to culminate in the dining room where stunning views of the fjord and mountain ranges create the backdrop for our set tasting menu.”

The chefs at Restaurant Iris have dubbed it Experience Dining, taking guests on an unforgettable trip while also providing incredible food.

The silver orb floats gently, with stunning views of the Norwegian landscape.

The building is dubbed Salmon Eye, and this overhead view shows the visual similarity to the namesake’s appearance.

Designed by Kvorning Design, the stunning shape and design on the exterior is met with a highly modern and elegantly lit interior.

The 18-course meal features exquisitely prepared and plated food.

Seafood and unusual produce from the sea are heavily featured at the restaurant, which seats just 24 guests a night.

The view looking out from inside the Salmon Eye.

Architecture

Under is an Elegant, Underwater Restaurant in Norway

June 27, 2022 Architecture

This elegant underwater restaurant Under in Norway opened a few years back, featuring a simple yet stunning design, where the dining room rests about 18 feet below the surface of the ocean. The architects, Snøhetta, were curious how the natural environment would respond to the structure, after time under water.

Now that the physical building has been submerged for a few years, we can see that sea life has clearly adapted to the building’s presence.

This is what designers were hoping for, the building being accepted by sea life, and the building becoming an extension of the sea life, versus a monolithic foreign object.

We are impressed by not only the elegant form of the restaurant, but how it interfaces with the sea. It’s not surprising that sea life and plant life has taken to the building, but it’s also reassuring to see how readily limpets and kelp have engulfed it.

Have you visited this fascinating restaurant? It’s high on our list.

Via Dezeen.

Photography by Timon Koch. Used with artist’s permission.

“The underwater restaurant Under on the Norwegian coast of Lindesnes was designed to fully integrate into its marine environment over time, as the roughness of the concrete shell was aimed to function as an artificial reef, welcoming limpets and kelp to inhabit it”

–Snøhetta

“Many argue that for mankind to truly take better care of our nature, more people need to see and learn more about it,” the studio said.

“This also lies as a core idea in the project of Under. Being able to give people greater insight into life in the sea, makes the Under restaurant an extra exciting project for marine biologists.”

Photography is by Timon Koch.

Architecture

Swooping Harbour Bath Planned for Arendal, Norway

August 17, 2021 Architecture

A dramatic ‘Harbour Bath’ is planned for Arendal, Norway by architectural group Snøhetta. The curving forms and gentle sloping stairs will make for a great bathing and lounging area in Arendal’s scenic harbor.

The design references a topographical map, with undulating curving lines. Indeed, the landscape of the surrounding area fits beautifully with this buildout’s form. Planned to open in 2023, just in time for the town’s 300th anniversary.

See more on Dezeen:

“Architectural drawings from the 1930s are dusted off in Snøhetta’s proposal for the reconstruction of the venerable harbor bath Knubben in Arendal, Norway. The iconic facility is set to be revived as a gift to the town before its 300th anniversary in 2023.”

Architecture

Elegant Woodnest Cabin In the Norwegian Forest

November 19, 2020 Architecture

Impressive and fancy treehouses have been built all over the world, as ways to find a mini escape to nature, and sometimes just to have architects flex their muscles. We’ve written about a number of them, but this ‘Woodnest‘ cabin outside of the Norwegian city of Odda is definitely one of the most elegant and refined that we’ve seen.

Designed by Helen & Hard Architects, the small, elevated cabin literally hugs a tree, which helps make up the support system itself.

The cabin’s wooden shingles are intricately applied and almost resemble an owl’s feathers, which further help the cabin blend into its natural setting.

A short walk across the elevated bridge take you into the cabin, which has flowing organic lines, and a clean and refined interior. Huge expansive windows, combined with the lifted position give the Woodnest an extraordinary view of the Hardangerfjord (Finland’s fourth largest fjord) below.

We’re impressed by the brilliant use of space, and also the modest footprint of the treehouse, which nevertheless provides an incredible experience for visitors. Via Uncrate:

” Stemming from the client’s wish to create a unique spatial experience that connects to both the ordinary and extraordinary sensation of climbing and exploring trees, our aim was to create a space that truly embodies what it means to dwell in nature. “

– Helen and Hard Architects

” Woodnest is a project that quietly sits in an extraordinary situation. The architecture aims to allow people to pause and appreciate the smaller details of the natural environments we inhabit; the grain of timber, the daily rhythm of the forest and the sensation of dwelling in nature. “

-Helen and Hard Architects

Animals

Double Your Pleasure With These Double Exposure Animals by Andreas Lie

November 2, 2020 Animals

Self taught visual artist Andreas Lie is based in Norway, and has made a name for himself through stunning double exposure photography. We love his work so much, we have prints of it hanging in our home. There’s something magical to see wildlife depicted in this animal+landscape perspective. There’s a calming stillness in the work that feels really peaceful. Prints and more available on Society6.

Nature

Norwegian Fjords Captured in Super Smooth Slow Motion Footage

August 17, 2020 Nature

Today’s action cameras capture amazing footage, and it’s dramatically apparent in this video from Tomasz Furmanek, that show the Norwegian fjords in hyper smooth slow motion.

They make for one hell of a commercial for the GoPro 7, but also for the beauty of Norway, and it’s natural beauty.

Check out the video below to be taken away to a peaceful kayaking adventure.

Architecture

Arctic Whale Pavilion

November 24, 2019 Architecture

Reminiscent of a whale breaching, this large and dramatic pavilion is to be located north of the arctic circle, in a small Norwegian town called Andøya lies Andenes. The large sloping roof allows for great views of the ocean, while inside the pavilion will serve to educate visitors about aquatic wildlife.

Very lovely design, and paying homage to some of the most special creatures in the ocean. Via Uncrate:

Art

Brisk Norway Landscapes Transformed With Infrared

October 28, 2019 Art

These brisk landscapes of the scenic Norwegian countryside are made surreal with the use of infrared film. The work of photographer Yann Philippe, he used an infrared-converted camera to capture these supernatural scenes, where forests are rendered crimson, but leaving the skies and water a cool blue. Infrared or not, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the landscapes and vistas of Norway, a country that is high on our list for travel destinations. Via DesignYouTrust:

Animals

World’s Biggest Moose Sculpture

February 7, 2019 Animals

The world’s biggest moose sculpture was recently unveiled in Norway, much to the chagrin of Canada, which previously held the record.

The 39 foot behemoth is fully chromed, and created by Norwegian artist Linda Bakke. It stands on the side of the highway, next to a thick forest, between Oslo and Trondheim. We think it’s a fitting tribute, let’s see if Canada ups the ante. Via Design You Trust:

Architecture

Modern Treetop Cabins Stands on Stilts

February 4, 2019 Architecture

We love treehouses, and cabins in the woods. These modern cabins on stilts are the best of both worlds, bringing contemporary design and accommodations directly into the tree canopy, making them feel very much like a part of the forest. We also love the idea of the trees growing and maturing around the cabins, making them even more a part of the forest community.

Designed by Oslo-based architect Espen Surnevik and set in eastern Norway, the pair of cabins have an elegant form to therm, with a tall cylindrical stairway leading up to the living space, which is spare, and filled with space-saving features, like folding beds and hidden cabinets. See more on Dezeen:

Nature

Norway 4K

June 27, 2018 Nature

Through incredible drone footage, we see the scale, majesty, and natural wonders of Norway in amazing detail. Northern Norway takes us on a journey through some of the least inhabited, and most pristine places left on the planet. Watch the video fullscreen, and become absorbed in the beauty. Filmed by by Sergey Lukankin.

Architecture

Svart Powerhouse Hotel by Snøhetta

February 13, 2018 Architecture

Situated on the edge of a glacier above the arctic circle, the Svart Powerhouse Hotel is a circular shaped structure, a highly engineered yet minimal hotel, with a gorgeous backdrop. Built on poles to minimize it’s impact on the land, the Snøhetta-designed hotel was inspired by traditional local fishing heritage, but full of 21st century energy-saving technology. This northern Norway hotel will feature 360-degree views of the Holandsfjorden Fjord, and will surely draw interest to this fast-changing part of the world. Climate change is occurring fast at the arctic circle, it’s nice to see sensitive architecture come into play in this fragile part of the world. Via Uncrate:

Svart-Powerhouse-Hotel_moss_and_fog-1 — The cycling trails near the hotel take in the vastness of the Holandsfjorden Fjord, and the nearby glacier.

In collaboration with Arctic Adventures of Norway, Asplan Viak and Skanska, Snøhetta has designed “Svart” the world’s first Powerhouse hotel, at the foot of the Svartisen glacier that runs through Meløy municipality in northern Norway. The hotel is situated just above the Arctic Circle.

“Svart” is the first building to be built after the energy positive Powerhouse standard in a Northern climate. Not only does this new hotel reduces its yearly energy consumption by approximately 85% compared to a modern hotel, but it also produces its own energy – an absolute “must” in this precious arctic environment. The hotel will also become the world’s northernmost Powerhouse building.

Svart-Powerhouse-Hotel_moss_and_fog-2 — An elegant, elevated structure of beams keeps the hotel afloat, while minimizing impact to the ocean floor.

Svart-Powerhouse-Hotel_moss_and_fog-3.5 — Located above the arctic circle, the hotel will be perfectly situated for some impressive

Powerhouse is a collaboration between Snøhetta, Entra, Skanska, the ZERO Emission Resource Organization and Asplan Viak. The term “Powerhouse” is used to describe so-called “plus house” buildings built by the Powerhouse collaboration. “Plus houses” are energy producing buildings that, in the course of a 60 year period, will generate more renewable energy than the total amount of energy that would be required to sustain daily operations and to build, produce materials and demolish the building.

Svart-Powerhouse-Hotel_moss_and_fog-3 — The hotel’s energy harvesting power and smart design means it will use 85% less energy than a normal hotel.

Svart-Powerhouse-Hotel_moss_and_fog-cover — The Svart Powerhouse Hotel from above the Holandsfjorden Fjord.

Svart-Powerhouse-Hotel_moss_and_fog-4 — A diagram showing the location of the Powerhouse hotel.

Architecture

‘Under’, Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant

October 23, 2017 Architecture

‘Under’ is the name of a stunning new project by architecture/design group Snøhetta, who has grown to be one of the most famous firms in the world. Meaning both “under” and “wonder” in Norwegian, the restaurant is a slab of concrete that erupts out of the coastline like a monolith from a science fiction movie. Created with three foot thick walls, the structure is meant to withstand the harsh weather of the Norwegian coastline, and become home to the mollusks and other marine creatures that live in the area. An enormous 33 x 12 foot acrylic window serves as the porthole to the sea, offering incredible views and a sense of wonder to the dining guests.

Like a sunken periscope, the restaurant’s massive acrylic windows offer a view of the seabed as it changes throughout the seasons and varying weather conditions.

From Snøhetta’s website:

Through its architecture, menu and mission of informing the public about the biodiversity of the sea, Under will provide an under-water experience inspiring a sense of awe and delight, activating all the senses – both physical and intellectual.

The structure from above is simple and straightforward, with a canted design that peers into the ocean below. Obviously, serious engineering and design will be in play, to make sure this one-of-a-kind building lasts for years to come. Located in Lindesnes, Norway, the project is under initial construction now, no immediate word on opening date. Via Snøhetta’s website.

The building comfortably accommodates 80-100 guests. Muted lighting from the inside of the restaurant and installed on the seabed will help stage the wildlife flourishing on the sandbank outside the 11 x 4-meter panoramic acrylic window.

Design

Surrealist Object Installations by Rune Guneriussen

September 22, 2017 Design

Like a bizarro-twist on Andy Goldsworthy, Rune Guneriussen takes manmade lamps and other objects, and creates surreal and elaborate installations with them, in the forests and landscapes of his home of Norway. The seemingly random and strange installations belie the effort and patience of assembling these art pieces. Imagine walking in the forest and coming upon a flock of lit desk lamps – it’d be a magical and surreal experience. We love the way the light plays with the scene, creating warm, inviting spaces in what otherwise are cold and empty places. Really fascinating work, via Colossal:

We’d love to know the process of his work, and the laborious task of setting up and lighting these far-flung installations.

In some of his installations, the objects appear to be squaring-off, with personalities all their own.

A very festive installation in the snow with ornate lamps climbing the tree.

Architecture

World’s First Ship Tunnel

March 27, 2017 Architecture

Tunnels have existed for hundreds of years, but there has still never been a tunnel built for full-size ships. Until now. Snøhetta, a world-famous architecture and design firm, has released plans for a 1.7km long tunnel in Norway. For decades, tumultuous weather has wreaked havoc with ship traffic on this Norwegian fjord, claiming lives and endangering crew. The 254 million euro tunnel would allow ships to swiftly and safely pass under land, cutting travel time significantly. Pretty cool stuff. Via DesignBoom: