Salmon Eye | Kvorning Design

Salmon Eye is a world-class visitor and learning center designed to communicate the impact of aquaculture and its production techniques – but is at the same time also a fine dining restaurant after dark. ‘Iris’ is the name – and the unique combination of architecture, design, experience, and exceptional food has gone viral on all media. The exterior design of the center mimics the shiny, silvery skin of salmon and the shape takes after the fish’s eye – hence the name of the center Salmon Eye. It glistens brightly in the Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most stunning fjords, and can be seen from miles away –  it can even be seen from an airplane landing at the nearby airport or through the latest uploaded satellite images made by Google Earth. Indeed, it is quickly becoming an iconic, floating landmark in Norway. 

Sustainable aquaculture in new evolutionary way
Salmon Eye intends to be a leading forum for learning, teaching, and holding open discussions about tomorrow’s salmon farming. The aim is to build and evolve toward creating highly sustainable means of aquaculture practices. For many years now Eide Fjordbruk has been on the forefront of developing highly sustainable salmon farming: indeed, they were the first fish farming company to produce carbon-neutral salmon and the first to share environmental reports. One of their latest implemented policies was to have their working boats and facilities be fully operational on green energy. In addition, they are also in the final phase of developing a new closed technology system, called Watermoon, which enables them to farm in the fjord with no negative impact on the local environment, climate, and other animal and plant species. 

CONCEPT
Salmon Eye is a spectacular, floating visitor attraction, art installation, and fine dining restaurant in Norway’s Hardangerfjord, aiming to explore how to feed the planet with sustainable seafood in the future.
 
DESIGN PROCESS
True to its nature and Kvorning Design’s initial visuals, Salmon Eye stands out in its ellipsoid design. Bathed in 9,250 stainless steel plates – shaped like fish scales to imitate the appearance and color of a salmon’s skin. Iconic from idea to final design.
 
CONSTRUCTION
1,000 sq m space for unique experiences and a total height of 15 m. The interior space spans 4 levels. Anchored at the bottom with 3 long wires, Salmon Eye is built at a ship wharf and technically registered as a boat.
 
EXPEDITION
Ensuring a sustainable expedition for all visitors two electric shuttle ferries are key. On arrival, guests are treated with a captivating and immersive cinematic experience.
 
BELOW THE SURFACE
To feed the future, we need to look below the surface. Setting new standards for sustainable aquaculture in every way. Design, research, technology, and experiences.
 
EDUCATION AND DIALOGUE
Education, dialogue, and open discussions about the future of fish farming and sustainable food production fostering innovations and catalyzing political change.
 
CONFERENCE AND FINE DINING
The immersive interior with cinema space, inclusive long, curved ramps, and a top floor fine dining restaurant named ‘Iris’, focusing on the concept of ‘zero km food’.

CREDITS 
Client: Eide Fjordbruk, Hålandsdalen, Norway 
Architectural concept and design: Kvorning Design 
Contractor AS: Fluctus, Norway
Fabrication: Marketex Marine, Estonia
Drone video: Håkon Settemsdal 
Photos:
·      Salmon Eye 
·      Håkon Settemsdal 
·      Sebastian L Torjusen 
·      Tobias L Torjusen 
·      Rasmus Jurkatam 
·      John Asle Eivind Hansen 
·      Kvorning Design 
 
Thanks to Eide Fjordbruk, Salmon Eye, and Iris