Norm Architects

We’re happy to announce that the Swivel Chair (N-SW01) has been nominated for “Furniture of the Year” at the prestigious Design Awards 2024 by BO BEDRE, Bolig Magasinet, and Scandinavian Living! This design, created in collaboration with Karimoku Case for the luxurious Bellustar Tokyo hotel in Shinjuku, blends minimalist aesthetics with practical elegance. Its softly curved, circular base and refined upholstery offer an enveloping sense of comfort, while the chair’s smooth swivel action ensures it always returns to its original position—perfect for maintaining a balance between privacy and openness. Take a look at the other nominees here: https://lnkd.in/dX3YXmqr  

Designed by Norm Architects in collaboration with Ancher Studio, each piece in the No. 16 collection embodies a refined simplicity and profound connection to nature. Drawing inspiration from the serene aesthetics of Japanese design and the clean, functional lines of Scandinavian tradition, the wheel thrown ceramics offer a unique fusion of the modern and the timeless – creating a design that is both multifunctional and pleasing to the eye.   Featuring a light-colored glaze and speckled clay, the pieces are reminiscent of natural stone and sand, creating a subtle yet captivating texture. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of Ancher’s skilled potters, ensuring durability and long-lasting beauty to provide a comforting and organic feel that enriches everyday rituals.   No. 16 was originally designed bespoke for a guesthouse on the north coast of Zealand in Denmark to fit with a rustic and casual summer lifestyle close to beach, forest and heathers. Stemming from the design ethos of this project – which we’ll show much more from soon – the ceramics exude the human-centric design ethos of our studio that we believe engages all the human senses.   Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen & Sandie Lykke Nolsøe #normarchitects #newdesign #collaboration

In the collaboration between the two Danish studios BRANDT Collective and Norm Architects, a delicate exploration of timeless materials and inviting surfaces has resulted in four new hardware collections for the home, each based on different typologies, assuming architectonic, biophilic qualities.   With attention to hardware as small pieces of functional jewelry for the interior and its repetitive nature, the collections balance timeless simplicity with recognizable character. The design takes the familiar and transforms it into something extraordinary, exploring the interplay between form, materiality, and spatial context – striking a balance between the crude and the refined, with the common goal of enhancing interiors with understated elegance and enduring quality.   The LEAF Collection features handles characterized by precision and minimal material thickness, inviting you to explore the subtle beauty of tactile interaction. Each handle embodies a blade-like silhouette melding with the contours of your touch.   The BUTTON Collection is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and timeless elegance, drawing inspiration from traditional apparel. Soft and gentle to the touch, the objects are designed to evolve beautifully with use, gaining patina and revealing the life surrounding them.   The TERRACE Collection draws inspiration from classical architectural elements such as ancient Roman staircases and archways, as well as themes rediscovered in the Art Deco era. These topographical objects serve as sculptural elements, elegantly adorning any surface or material.   The CARVE Collection is inspired by surfaces found in traditional Japanese woodworking. Here, the idea of carving the surface is translated into a smaller scale and a new material. The rugged and tactile surface of the hardware changes dramatically with the passing of time and the change of light.     For sale from October at https://lnkd.in/dDiXyTX3 Explore the collections here: https://lnkd.in/dkS-AKcU   Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

In today’s noisy and cluttered world, where our attention is constantly pulled in different directions, we often find ourselves longing for quiet and simplicity.   Architects and designers play a vital role in fostering stillness in both our surroundings and daily lives—by returning to the essentials of shelter, utility, beauty, and belonging, without unnecessary complexity. This can be achieved by distilling design to its core elements and being thoughtful about its sensory effects.   With this in mind, we aim to create minimalist designs that whisper rather than shout—spaces that offer understated warmth and intimacy through tactile materials, a balance of light and shadow, and a restrained approach to color, texture, and form.   Accessible, simple, and easy to engage with. Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen #normarchitects #softminimalism #essentialism

Nestled within a historic motor torpedo boat hall, the new Holmen Abode in Copenhagen, Denmark, beautifully reimagines this architectural gem from the 90’s with timeless simplicity and modern elegance.   The interior represents a simplistic fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements that invites tranquility and harmony into the mundane. This way, the space is designed to balance the vibrant views outside, creating a quiet canvas that lets the landscape take center stage.   To further this vision, natural materials like oak wood are prominently used throughout the home. Its warm, organic texture adds a layer of natural beauty and timeless appeal, grounding the modern design in a sense of place and history. Hence, the use of oak wood is not just an aesthetic choice but also a nod to sustainability and enduring quality, reflecting the principles of both design philosophies.   Moreover, incorporating a traditional Shoji screen in the bathroom introduces a captivating interplay of light and shadow. The delicate washi paper, meticulously crafted for its translucency, gently diffuses natural light, creating a serene and inviting ambiance. This ancient Japanese technique not only enhances the bathroom's aesthetic with its minimalist elegance but also fosters a sense of calm and relaxation.   The project was beautifully featured in issue 17 of WABISABI last month. You can find it here: https://lnkd.in/dsS8Td6b   Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen #normarchitects #softminimalism #newproject #residential

Last night, TRUNK(HOTEL) Yoyogi Park was the big winner at this year's AHEAD Awards in Singapore, bagging three awards and taking top spot as the regional Hotel of the Year!   With more than 150 entries from 16 countries, this feels like an absolute dream.   In collaboration with our talented partners at Keiji Ashizawa Design, TRUNK stands as a serene getaway, effortlessly integrated into the energetic cityscape of Tokyo. The hotel’s design embodies a perfect balance between the neighborhood’s relaxed yet refined ambiance, while the 'Urban Recharge' concept lies at the core of its philosophy—bridging the gap between city life and nature, tradition and modernity, and fostering connections between locals and visitors.   In addition to being named Hotel of the Year, TRUNK also took home the award for best guestroom design.   We view this honor as a reflection of what we value most: collaboration. At our studio, we believe the most extraordinary ideas are born when creative minds come together!   We’re incredibly thankful for the chance to craft projects that truly resonate with their surroundings and communities, and we’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries of hospitality design in the future.   See the full list of winners here: https://lnkd.in/gy87Trzm

We are proud to share that two of our projects have been longlisted for this year’s Dezeen Awards; TRUNK(HOTEL) Yoyogi Park in the ‘Hotel and short-stay interior’ category and Chancery House in the ‘Workplace interior (large)’ category.   Finished in collaboration with our dear colleagues at Keiji Ashizawa Design, the TRUNK hotel is a calm retreat seamlessly woven into the vibrant tapestry of Tokyo, Japan. While aesthetic choices harmoniously reflect the laid-back, yet sophisticated, vibe of the neighborhood, the concept of ‘Urban Recharge’ is at the heart of the project – a pivotal theme weaving together the city and nature, tradition and modernity, as well as the local community and valued visitors.   Chancery House, located in London’s vibrant Midtown, has been meticulously revitalized for Fora in collaboration with dMFK. This nine-story heritage building now stands as a timeless testament to the city's enduring charm. Its thoughtfully chosen palette of colors and materials reflects London’s rich and dynamic tapestry, while the building’s essence evokes a serene atmosphere, harmonizing with the ever-evolving rhythm of modern life.   These nominations are a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. Both TRUNK(HOTEL) and Chancery House are the result of close-knit partnerships, and their success reflects the creativity and dedication of everyone involved. We firmly believe that the best ideas come to life when diverse minds come together, and we are deeply honored that this spirit of collaboration has been recognized by the Dezeen. We are grateful for the opportunity to create spaces that resonate with the communities they serve and look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of design together. See the full longlisting here: https://lnkd.in/evYMUam4

Located in New York City's dynamic Dumbo neighborhood, the new Reform showroom finds its home between the iconic Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Surrounded by a blend of lush greenery and historic industrial architecture, this space artfully balances grandeur with a warm, inviting atmosphere.   Kitchens are inhabited by people and personalities. No two homes are alike, and each new space comes with its own range of needs. Therefore, Reform has made it their mission to offer a wide range of modern, people-centered design solutions that cater to the changing demands of their customers. This commitment to flexibility and personalization mirrors our own approach at Norm Architects, where we prioritize creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply responsive to the individual needs of the user.   Our shared values in human-centered design and our commitment to quality, functionality, and aesthetic harmony make our collaboration a natural fit, with each project reflecting a deep understanding of the diverse ways people live and interact with their surroundings.   More than a showroom, this curated space not only showcases Reform’s ever-growing collection but also accommodates the evolving needs of events and office functions, making it a dynamic platform for the brand’s future growth.   Go explore the full case here: https://lnkd.in/dHCNhaZ2 Or go to our pressroom to download all material here: https://lnkd.in/dbBCCFfc Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen #normarchitects #newproject #commercial #softminimalism

// Thank you   Last week, we gathered to celebrate the launch of our latest publication, Stillness, in collaboration with gestalten. The event took place at the stunning Audo House in Copenhagen, which we had decorated with a thoughtful selection of ceramics from Viki Weiland, Toseibo and Hoii Ceramics complemented by signed prints by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen.   We were honored to have Japanese Art Historian Malene Wagner share her insights on the cultural significance of mingei and its connection to Japonisme – thank you, Malene, for enriching our understanding.   Thank you to everyone for coming out to celebrate this new book that delves into the serene beauty of Japanese aesthetics in architecture and design ⁠published by gestalten. At once an ode to Japan, a personal travelogue, and an aesthetic manifesto, it takes readers on Norm's decade-long journey to better understand one of the world’s most revered creative cultures.⁠   If you haven’t yet purchased a copy, you can do so here: https://lnkd.in/dRwNfMAS   We hope you enjoyed the event and left feeling inspired by the surroundings, the people, and the contents of Stillness. Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, Ryan Kent & Anett Möglich

Join us this Thursday at Audo House in Copenhagen for the launch of ‘Stillness’, a new book by Norm Architects that delves into the serene beauty of Japanese aesthetics in architecture and design.   Japanese Art Historian Malene Wagner will cast light on the cultural aspects of mingei and place it in a wider context of Japonisme. Additionally, ceramic artworks, signed prints, and books by Toseibo, Hoii Ceramics, Viki Weiland, New Mags, and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen will be available for purchase.   It will be an evening celebrating the intersection of architecture, design, and art – accompanied by refreshing drinks and delectable snacks.     We hope to see you there!   · Location: Audo House / Århusgade 130, 2150 Copenhagen · Time: September 5th from 6:00PM - 8:00PM