Doubling as a marine research centre out of dining hours,
Under’s colossal half-metre-thick curved concrete hull is
bolted into the bedrock five metres below water level, in an
area where the storms of the North Sea converge, bringing
with them incredibly abundant biodiversity. Designed to
slowly integrate with the wildlife, the structure’s rough
exterior functions as an artificial reef for kelp and limpets,
as well as playing host to the many cameras and other
measurement tools that will document life underwater.
Inside, an imposing Norwegian oak staircase leads down
to a welcoming, cave-like interior, dominated by a vast
floor-to-ceiling window. The textile-clad ceiling deepens
from sunset pink to a rich cerulean blue as you descend.
‘Under provides a journey into the unknown. Guests will
be given a unique opportunity to experience a submerged
universe,’ says Grasdal. The seafood dishes are served on
ceramics crafted from local sand and the 40-seat dining
room sits under a constellation of hundreds of LED lights
that, when adjusted, illuminate the conditions outside. In
Norwegian, ‘under’ means both ‘below’ and ‘wonder’ – a
fitting name for this architectural achievement (under.no).
‘UNDER PROVIDES A JOURNEY
INTO THE UNKNOWN. GUESTS
WILL BE GIVEN A UNIQUE
OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE
A SUBMERGED UNIVERSE’
ESCAPEAUGUST 2019 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 17 7