Norm Architects

Designing a home is often an exercise in restraint. While a simple and authentic space might feel effortless once completed, the journey to achieving true simplicity is far from easy. In a world that constantly offers us more than we need, the challenge is not what to add – but what to leave out.   The Forest Retreat is a place for slow living – rustic yet refined, designed for both summer and winter escapes. Set deep within the forest, its architecture is carefully attuned to the surrounding landscape, with large windows framing shifting views of the valley and woods. The interiors have been completely remodelled for modern comfort, while the exterior remains true to its natural setting, now seamlessly connected to the outdoors.   Comprising a main house and a guest annex, the retreat accommodates up to three families, each with their own private suite. The lower floor of the main house functions like a hotel suite, complete with a bedroom, bathroom, minibar, and sauna – while the annex is fully self-contained, nestled between the trees.   By embracing only the essentials, the space fosters a deep connection to nature – where daylight moves through the space from dawn to dusk, and the rhythm of life slows to match the landscape outside. ⁠⁠ Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen #normarchitects #softminimalism

We are sensing beings.   Instinctively, we seek spaces that make us feel both grounded and at ease – places that offer a sense of safety and comfort while still inspiring movement and thought. In architecture and design, this calls for a careful interplay of scale, fullness, and emptiness – an approach that embraces the human form.   The challenge lies in striking a balance between opposing desires: to feel both held and free, to have both security and agency.   With this in mind, we compose thoughtful arrangements of materials, objects, and volumes – balancing occupied and empty spaces, fostering generous sightlines, and shaping a spatial rhythm that feels both natural and intentional.   Intimate and vast all at the same time. Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen #normarchitects #softminimalism

Following the renovation of the first floor, the transformation of Kolon House – a private family home from 1918 overlooking Gentofte Lake – now extends to the ground floor, completing the journey through the carefully remodeled interiors.   Designed by Norm Architects and crafted by renowned Danish cabinetmakers, KOLON, the interior is shaped by natural materials like oak and dark-oiled walnut that bring warmth and tactility to the space. Thoughtful architectural interventions guide the gaze and enhance the spatial flow, strengthening the connection between the two levels.   At the heart of the design is a belief that the spaces we inhabit shape our daily lives and well-being. With this in mind, every interior detail has been made bespoke – tailored not only to serve its function but to be deeply integrated with the architecture. This thoughtful approach creates a cohesive whole, where each element feels both timeless and context-aware, adding lasting value to the home. Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen & Karl Tranberg Knudsen #normarchitects #interior #softminimalism #newproject  

We’re thrilled to announce the re-print of 'The Touch – Spaces Designed for the Senses', originally born from our collaboration with Kinfolk. Now published by gestalten with a fresh new cover, this special edition continues to explore the idea that beauty is not just in the eye of the beholder – but in the way design engages all of the human senses.   The Touch offers an alternative to conventional views of design, showing how it can be more than visually appealing. Good design creates a multi-sensory experience that deeply enriches our lives. With timeless relevance, the book examines how light, materiality, color, nature, and community come together to create spaces that connect with us on a deeper level.   Presenting the five essential building blocks of human-centric design – light, materiality, color, nature, and community – we welcome readers into over 25 international spaces that exemplify how haptic design elements provide a richer quality of living. From contemporary works by Ilse Crawford and Bijoy Jain to iconic designs by Arne Jacobsen, these spaces invite a deeper, more enriching experience through sensory elements that enhance our daily lives.   The book also features philosophical essays, interviews with design industry leaders, and insights into design theory and color history – making it a must-have reference for anyone fascinated by the profound influence of design.   Now available for purchase here: https://lnkd.in/dtjajSUk   Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, Salva López, Adrien Dirand, Christian Møller Andersen, Pelle Crépin    

/ Casting Light on Materials   Light and materials are inseparable, each revealing the other. Neither is fully visible until they meet, shaping our perception of texture, depth, and atmosphere. This interplay should guide our choice of materials – allowing light to accentuate contrasts, unveil hidden qualities, and breathe life into surfaces.   The character of a texture emerges in grazing light, while the essence of a material is revealed as light passes through it. Shadows form where light is absorbed or deflected – creating the shimmer of glass, the sheen of metal, the depth of dark polished wood, and the soft undulations of light on a white wall. These interactions hold emotional weight, shaping how we experience a space.   We need shadows as much as we need light. They give depth to what is illuminated, fostering a sense of intimacy and mystery. In the absence of full brightness, our other senses heighten – sounds become clearer, scents more pronounced, and touch more perceptive. In shadow, we rely not just on sight, but on instinct, intuition, and the quiet poetry of our surroundings.   Hence, thoughtfully considering light and shadow in design allows us to create spaces that feel both grounded and atmospheric, balancing clarity with warmth, openness with enclosure. How we shape the light ultimately shapes the way we live.     Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen #normaarchitects #softminimalism #interiorarchitecture #materials    

It is within buildings that we begin our day, embrace our morning rituals, and find a sense of routine. In our homes, we nourish our bodies, restore our energy, and create moments of intimacy and relaxation – this is where our lives unfold, especially in colder climates. We live in and through these spaces, and they touch us as much as we touch them. The architecture we interact with influences our behavior, our mood, and even our health – just as much as the natural world outside. We mainly experience architecture from within and yet architects all too often concentrate on the exterior and the program of a building, while leaving interior detailing to others as a mere afterthought. In our opinion, interior design is not just about surface, and design is definitely not superficial. Designing our environment is about creating an infrastructure for a good and interesting life. Interiors interact with the depths of our psychology, our health and well-being. They influence our choices in life, affect how we live, how we socialize or even how we build our businesses.   In this sense, our interiors should cater to a wide range of human needs, from the most basic to the most personal. They must balance efficiency with mindfulness and respond to the desire for both productivity and a slower pace of life. Architecture is a sensory and social craft that should speak to the real, lived experience of people.   Therefore, we are driven by a human-centered approach – designing spaces that allow people to be fully present, not passive spectators. Our commitment is to create environments that are attuned to the needs and emotions of those who inhabit them.     Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen #normarchitects #softminimalism #interior

“A hotel that is truly more than the sum of its parts.” – AHEAD Awards   We’re thrilled to share that TRUNK(HOTEL) Yoyogi Park has been named one of the Top 10 projects of 2024 by the AHEAD Awards, recognizing the world’s best new hotels!   Selected from regional winners across Asia, the Americas, MEA, and Europe, the final global shortlist was curated by a panel of 25 hospitality experts, highlighting the most outstanding projects of the year.   The judges praised the hotel’s beautifully harmonized design by Keiji Ashizawa Design and Norm Architects, celebrating its delicate balance of tradition and modernity in Tokyo. They noted how lush greenery softens the raw, Brutalist-inspired concrete structure, creating a calm, verdant retreat from the city’s bustle. The pared-back interior palette enhances this sense of tranquility, while the project’s thoughtful engagement with the community was particularly commended – an inspiring approach to hospitality design.   At our studio, we believe the most meaningful spaces emerge through collaboration. This recognition is a testament to the power of creative minds coming together to craft environments that truly resonate with their surroundings and the people who experience them.   We’re grateful for this honor and excited to continue pushing the boundaries of thoughtful, human-centered design.   See the full list here: https://lnkd.in/dHwYmhch    Sleeper Magazine

Nestled in the mangrove forests of Jubail Island, Bada Mansion is a conceptual design for an exclusive retreat within the Bada Al Jubail development. Though not yet realized, its vision – brought to life through the artistry of Mangoshake – reflects our commitment to timeless design.   Spanning 2,000 sqm across three plots, the home embodies a serene, minimalist design language – melding robust architecture with its natural surroundings to craft the ultimate luxury retreat.   Traditional design principles for warm climates inspire features like a welcoming colonnade, a lush central courtyard, and layered façades that enhance natural ventilation and light. A material palette of textures and tones – drawn from the sea, sand, and shadow – anchors the design in its surroundings, celebrating the essence of island living through a delicate interplay of light and texture. #normarchitects #softminimalism Jubail Island Investment Company

Inspired by the textures and colors found in the natural world, the new GROUND collection by Norm Architects & massimo copenhagen seeks to evoke a profound sense of home and belonging – serving as a tribute to simplicity and tranquility, seamlessly merging understated beauty with exceptional craftsmanship.   Drawing from these earthy tones and subtle hues reminiscent of diverse landscapes, the collection transforms interiors into inviting and harmonious sanctuaries, and with a focus on tactile comfort and enduring quality, the rugs are designed to anchor spaces in calmness and warmth, creating a sensory experience that resonates on every level.   The humble rug is designed to feel at home wherever it is placed. It doesn’t demand attention but rather sits comfortably within the space, serving as a foundational element that ties everything together. Ultimately, the aim of the collection is to offer a design element that not only enhances the visual appeal of a room but also contributes to a sense of balance and harmony within the interior environment.   The colors and textures within the collection are inspired by earthy tones and subtle hues that reflect the diverse landscapes of our living environment. By incorporating these elements into our designs, we aim to create a space that feels inviting and harmonious – where the presence of nature is palpable, promoting a sense of connection and well-being.   Photography by Irina Boersma César Machado #normarchitects #newdesign #softminimalism

Time has a way of playing tricks on travellers. It slows down in the anticipation before a journey, races ahead during the fleeting days of a holiday, and then resumes its steady rhythm once we're back to the routines of daily life. By thoughtfully shaping the experience of travel, we help the guest take control of time, reshaping it to harness all its possibilities; to fashion an unhurried, calming pace that enhances the journey.   In this regard, we find it that a hotel's ability to balance serenity and adventure is what transforms a stay into a holistic travel experience where time is spent mindfully. It cultivates a sense of belonging and excitement, ensuring guests leave not only rested but also enriched with the discoveries and experiences they gathered from the location's vibrant tapestry.   It is our conviction that a hotel should first and foremost be a sanctuary of calm and comfort. After a day of travel or exploration, guests seek solace and respite in the confines of their hotel room. A peaceful ambiance, plush amenities, and a welcoming environment allow guests to recharge, ensuring they are ready for another day of adventure. However, a hotel should not just be a place to rest – it should also serve as a gateway to the surrounding wonders. Through its design, services, amenities, and staff, a hotel should entice guests to step out and explore the local culture, history, and attractions. By showcasing and translating the uniqueness and allure of the destination, a hotel can transform itself from a mere resting place to a starting point for memorable adventures.   Striking this delicate balance is the key to a fulfilling travel experience.   Achieving an authentic sense of place in hotel design is, however, a nuanced endeavor; overemphasizing local elements risks losing authenticity, while underemphasizing them makes the hotel indistinguishable from any other around the globe. That is why we dedicate good time to researching vernacular architecture, regional details, color palettes, local materials, and cultural habits. Yet, rather than merely replicating these elements, we strive to reinterpret them – subtly and thoughtfully. In doing so, we contribute to the gradual evolution of the built environment, creating spaces that resonate deeply with their surroundings while standing as unique expressions of their time and place.   In this sense, we believe that travel is as much a state of mind as it is an action or itinerary. We perceive our work as a way to support a meaningful exploration of our world – one that not only fosters thoughtful perspectives on the places we visit but also deepens our relationship with home once the journey is over. This is a never-ending pursuit of ours that we do not take for granted. Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen