A peaceful retreat, The Fjord Boat House by Norm Architects is located on the water’s edge at the border of Denmark and Germany. Constructed on a concrete foundation it’s black timber cladding contrasts against the green, growing vines that surround.
With stunning views out to sea, the interior space is minimalist, with what the architect describes as a ‘Skandi-Japanese’ aesthetic featuring furniture pieces designed by the architects themselves.
Organic shapes, tactile materials and artisanal ceramics lend a softness to the space and compliment the solid timber planks. A refined palette of warm textures and hues are used throughout.
A Hashira Floor Lamp, designed by Norm Architects and inspired by Japanese Washi Paper provides a beautiful light quality, highlighting the natural materials. Meanwhile, the Koku Table was inspired by the architect’s travels to Shikoku, Japan and the work of American/Japanese woodworker, architect and designer George Nakashima.
Balancing between light and heavy, transparent and monolithic, the table is about creating direction in the base whilst maintaining symmetry on top. By using a combination of solid and metal pipes, the architects were able to play with dimensions and proportions of individual elements, allowing them to be very thin and elegant, without losing strength. The table’s expression is sculptural, whilst retaining obvious functionalities.
A dining table pendant and table lamp is part of the collection recently designed for The Archipelago House, by Karimoku and Kojima Shouten. Small details from inspired by Japanese finishing harbours add to the maritime aesthetic and influence.
‘All that we surround ourselves with, can have a direct impact on our mood and behaviour. Working with natural materials in both architecture and design, is, therefore, a simplistic way in which we can enrich our surroundings and ultimately enhance our quality of life,’ says the architect.
