An undersea adventure: Snøhetta’s 'Under' welcomes its first diners
Under – an underwater restaurant and research facility that evokes the romance and wonder of Captain Nemo's Nautilus – has opened in Lindesnes, Norway.
Conceptualised by Scandinavian design firm Snøhetta, the grey-coloured building, which was shaped to appear like a sunken periscope, can accommodate up to 40 guests and is protected from sea waves by fortress-like concrete walls.
Under's interiors, illuminated by greenish LEDs, also add realism to the space, simulating the inside of a submarine.
Extending five and a half metres below the surface, the structure also features an 11-metre-wide observatory window, providing guests with unobstructed views of the Norwegian seabed.
This aspect of Under will facilitate marine research, helping – according to the site's consultant marine biologist, Trond Rafoss – to provide "a newfound possibility to observe marine life with precision and patience".
Rafoss added: "As one can stay in the restaurant for as long as one wants, that opens opportunities to discover species and observe their behaviours and never-before-seen stages of life".
Culinary offerings at Under, all of which highlight Norway's coastal gastronomy, will include a variety of foraged and organic ingredients, such as limpet, bladderwrack, stone crab, and mahogany clam.
Speaking on the menu, head chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard said, "Our aim is to display the diversity that can be found in the South of Norway."
Developed by Norwegian hoteliers, Stig and Gaute Ubostad, who commissioned an engineering and planning team that included Submar Group and BRG Entreprenør AS, Under is expected to become one of the region's most prominent landmarks.
"It’s going to offer you new perspectives and ways of seeing the world," remarked Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, Snøhetta's founder, "both beyond and beneath the waterline."
Snøhetta Under Norway Nautilus underwater submarine restaurant




BRC selected to design new World Food Center – will explore sustainability and global food supply

Ritz-Carlton Reserve opens with luxury spa at Japanese alpine ski resort

Scott Brownrigg-designed Museum of Military Medicine in Cardiff given planning approval

Work starts on US$898m e-sports arena in Shanghai

Gyms added to the mix for new super-luxe retail roll-out

OMA designs Miami Beach's ReefLine – a seven mile-long underwater sculpture park

Ole Scheeren and Shigeru Ban team up to design art and cultural destination in Hangzhou

FIFA files criminal complaint over funding of €459m world football museum

ReardonSmith leads design of Heya – a hotel room concept offering personalisation for each guest

Disney reveals first visuals of ambitious Star Wars attraction – including designs for hotel 'pods'

Flaxmill Maltings – the world's first cast-iron framed building – is to be redeveloped as a visitor attraction by Mather & Co

LVMH announces Bulgari Hotel for Miami Beach, with design by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel

Technogym opens retail store in Los Angeles

AZPML and UKST win competition to design Korean Museum of Urbanism and Architecture

Delos partners with TPP Capital to advance access to health and wellbeing solutions in urban communities

The Well creates integrated wellness retreat in New England countryside for Auberge Resorts

Architects 10 Design reveal plans for ambitious Edinburgh city centre plans

Perth's Boola Bardip museum opens in new AU$400m building designed by Hassell and OMA

UK Government's £1bn scheme to decarbonise is 'a huge opportunity' for the leisure industries

Museum devoted to the history of the US Army opens its doors

Architrave designs Banyan Tree Krabi with rainforest-themed spa

Anantara to debut in Seychelles following rebrand of luxury Bill Bensley-designed resort

World’s first energy-positive hotel and spa to be completed with interiors by Space Copenhagen

3XN design Denmark’s first climate-positive hotel with rooftop spa

BRC Imagination Arts completes new Glenkinchie Distillery brand home for Diageo as part of cycle of Scottish whisky attractions

First look: Contreras Earl Architecture creates Living Coral Biobank for the Great Barrier Reef Legacy

Heatherwick Studio reveals plans for 'The Cove' on San Francisco waterfront

Millimetre Design create new spa for Johnstown Estate in Ireland

B2Ai and SCAU to design new €100m Club Brugge stadium
