This Underwater Restaurant Was Just Opened In Norway And It Looks Absolutely Stunning

Snøhetta, an international architecture company based in Norway, are no newcomers in the design world. Last year they announced the world’s most environmentally friendly hotel, that will be built in the Arctic circle, and this year an underwater restaurant designed by this company has finally been completed.

The restaurant is called Under and seats a hundred guests, making it the world’s largest underwater restaurant. It’s the only restaurant of its type in Europe and not only offers a unique dining experience but also doubles as a marine life research center.

More info: snohetta.com | h/t: Bored Panda

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

The 111 ft long building, partially submerged into the sea, is designed to integrate into the environment with time thanks to the building’s rough concrete surface that is the perfect base for the formation of an artificial reef.

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

The thick walls are able to withstand the pressure from the sea and the large windows offer a beautiful sight of the seabed.

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

Image credits: snohetta

Architect Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, the founder of Snøhetta says Under is a natural progression of their experimentation with boundaries. “As a new landmark for Southern Norway, Under proposes unexpected combinations of pronouns and prepositions, and challenges what determines a person’s physical placement in their environment,” says the architect.

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“In this building, you may find yourself underwater, over the seabed, between land and sea. This will offer you new perspectives and ways of seeing the world, both beyond and beneath the waterline.”

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

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Of course, the restaurant is no fast food joint – it’s focused on a fine dining experience, offering locally-sourced cuisine. The restaurant’s kitchen will be staffed with 16 experts, including Danish chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard.

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Lindesnes, the municipality in which the restaurant is located, is known for its harsh weather conditions so the guests will be pleasantly surprised when stepping into the warm and welcoming restaurant.

Image credits: Inger Marie Grini

The interior was designed to resemble nature – the warm pastel colors of the ceiling panels will remind you of the setting sun, and their woven texture will provide the atmosphere with ambiance.

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The simple yet aesthetic furniture, created from rugged materials also accompany the nature theme.

Image credits: http://www.ingermariegrini.no/

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

Under will also serve as a marine research facility, welcoming research teams to study marine biology and fish behavior thanks to the many cameras and measuring tools installed on the outside.

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

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When it comes to Under, Snøhetta says the contrast between sea and land is important, as well as the balance between them. It draws attention to sustainable living and responsible consumption.

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“For most of us, this is a totally new world experience. It’s not an aquarium, it’s the wildlife of the North Sea. That makes it much more interesting. It takes you directly into the wildness,” said lead architect Rune Grasdal in an interview with Dezeen. “If the weather is bad, it’s very rough. It’s a great experience, and to sit here and be safe, allowing the nature so close into you. It’s a very romantic and nice experience.”

Image credits: Snøhetta

“The idea was to make a tube that would bring people from above sea level down under the sea,” said Grasdal. “That transition is easy to understand, but it’s also the most effective way to do it. It also feels secure, but you don’t feel trapped.”