Norm Architects

Nestled along the Brooklyn Waterfront, overlooking the East River and Manhattan Skyline, the Kent Avenue penthouse apartment is one of its kind; New York’s industrial vibe meets soft minimalism and tactile materials in this urban retreat above the vibrating city.   Spanning approx. 350 square meters, the Kent Avenue penthouse occupies the entire top floor of a grand building along the East River. The unique home is divided into two distinct living spaces—one designed for the privacy of the family, and the other a fully equipped guest house.   The open-plan layout of both apartments is thoughtfully layered with elements that subtly define various zones, maintaining a sense of fluidity while offering spaces for relaxation and privacy. Large floor-to-ceiling windows enhance the seamless flow between indoors and out, connecting the home to the breathtaking views of the river and Manhattan skyline as well as the lush greenery on the expansive terrace that envelopes the residence.   A serene interior offers balance to the vibrant views outside, while soft and plush textiles create a warm home environment. With this blend of modern design and tactile materials, the residence embodies contemporary elegance and tranquility, delivering a space that feels both intimate and spacious.    See the full project here: https://lnkd.in/dm88zQWK   Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

Today, Karimoku Case proudly presents their official 2024 brand movie, showcasing their commitment to precision and craftsmanship across continents.   Filmed in Japan, Sweden, and Denmark, the movie takes you on an inspiring journey through the art of creating Karimoku Case furniture – from initial design ideas and selecting the finest timber to the final sanding of each piece. Offering valuable insight into the creative ethos and collaborative spirit behind Karimoku Case, the movie reveals the seamless partnership between three esteemed architectural studios: Foster + Partners in London, Keiji Ashizawa Design in Tokyo, and us in Copenhagen. Moreover, we’re excited to highlight some remarkable projects of ours featured in the film, including Restaurant ÄNG, Bellustar Tokyo, and Notabene Shoe Store.   We hope you'll take the time to experience the story behind a truly inspiring brand. You’ll find the full video here: https://lnkd.in/dVdCNGZV *** Contributors CURB cph Directed by Jens Ulrik Helmbaek Cinematography by Longfei Wang Colorgrade by Didrik Bråthen Sound by stefan Garfield Rasch Holm Music by Lior Solz Styling by Yumi Nakata Collaborators Foster + Partners Keiji Ashizawa Design Norm Architects With special thanks to Restaurang ÄNG BELLUSTAR Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel TRUNK(HOTEL) Yoyogi Park Blue Bottle Coffee NAGOYA SAKAE CAFE Notabene Møntergade

Since 2003, PechaKucha has been a key part of Tokyo's creative community, and we're excited to be part of their 190th edition; The DESIGNART Special.   In our work, design is measured by how it makes people think, feel and act, and how well it supports their daily needs – hence, our job is to listen and understand the needs of people.   Rather than aiming for invention, we think of design in evolutionary terms, holding on to traditions, slowly and thoughtfully applying slight improvements to match the needs of modern society.   Our philosophy, which we call 'Soft Minimalism', is characterized by a more delicate attention to materials, to scale, to sound, and first and foremost to people. Not only are we architects and designers; we’re listeners and storytellers.   Within this philosophy, we have then defined eight major principals, which our Managing Director, Katrine Goldstein, will explore in the traditional PechaKucha format of 20x20 seconds tomorrow from 18:30 at THE CORE KITCHEN/SPACE!   If you’re in the neighborhood, don't miss this special opportunity to connect with fellow creatives in the vibrant atmosphere. See you there for an unforgettable night of creativity and community!   Get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/g4rsqKAU

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