Good Design Makes You Happy - February Spotlight: Snøhetta

Every month we shine the spotlight on projects that have provided inspiration, celebrating the transforming impact that good design can have on the world. 


From underwater restaurants to powerhouse hotels above the Arctic Circle, if Snøhetta is involved - that's pretty much a guarantee it's going to be incredible. 

Snøhetta is an international integrated architecture, landscape, interior, branding and design firm who focuses on creating experiences

Here are a few of our favorites, but we really suggest going over and checking out more of their projects.

 

SVART

 www.snohetta.com

 www.snohetta.com

It's a hotel - a ring-shaped, energy-positive hotel located above the Arctic Circle. Not only will guests enjoy astounding panoramic views of glaciers, fjords, and untouched wilderness, but the hotel will be the first in the world to achieve the 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.
— Snøhetta

UNDER

 www.snohetta.com

 www.snohetta.com

Situated on the Norwegian coastline, Snøhetta has designed Europe’s very first underwater restaurant. 

The restaurant, whose namesake has a double meaning (in Norwegian, under can just as well mean wonder), will also double as a research center for marine life. 

Guests will be able to literally submerge themselves into the local marine ecosystem, while enjoying authentic Nordic fare. What a dream!

 

A HOUSE TO DIE IN

 www.snohetta.com

 www.snohetta.com

Norwegian artist Bjarne Melgaard had an idea to create a sculpture that would also serve as a home, it was only natural to collaborate with Snøhetta on such a project. 

A triangular wooden house supported by animal sculptures...

The building is clad with black, burned oak, inspired by Japanese building traditions. The burnt oak will naturally erode over time so that the building gradually changes character throughout the years and seasons. A shallow water pond below the building creates an illusion of a floating building.
— Snøhetta

GAPAHUK

www.snohetta.com

www.snohetta.com

Yep! They even design prefab homes. 

Just like a HAVEN, the Gapahuk cabin was designed to be placed in any location - mountains, forest, coast - able to withstand all conditions, with the potential to be off-grid. 

 

Thanks Snøhetta for all the beauty you bring to the world! We're thoroughly inspired.