Sculpting Serenity: The Soulful Simplicity of Objects and Spaces by No

Sculpting Serenity: The Soulful Simplicity of Objects and Spaces by Norm Architects

March 28, 2024
By: Carolina Batalha, Cherie Er, and Jason Khoo

In the ever-evolving landscape of design, few studios tread the delicate balance of form and function as measuredly as Norm Architects. Since its inception in 2008, this Copenhagen-based architecture and design studio has championed a philosophy that goes beyond aesthetics, delving deep into the sensory realm to craft environments that resonate with the modern human experience.

Norm Architects' design principle is guided by an unwavering devotion to simplicity, natural materials, and impeccable craftsmanship. Their work epitomises the essence of what they term as “soft minimalism” - enriching daily life through architecture, interiors, and product design that not only pleases the eye but also nourishes the soul. Rooted in the belief of the enduring allure of simplicity and functionality, their projects exude a timeless elegance that seamlessly blends Scandinavian heritage with a global perspective.

The collaboration between Origin Made and Norm Architects stems from a shared passion and reverence for objects and furniture that are aesthetically minimal while evoking a tactile sense of craftsmanship. The Spiral and Flight Sculptures, borne from this partnership, embody this essence wherein the natural beauty of raw travertine, the skilled hands of the stonemason, and the geometrical proportions of classical architecture meet.

As a brand deeply committed to celebrating craftsmanship and design, Origin Made seeks to explore and illuminate the intimate connection between designer, maker, and the resulting design object. In a departure from traditional inquiries about product conception, we invited Frederik Werner, Designer & Partner at Norm Architects, to share his personal interpretation of how he would style Origin Made’s Spiral Sculpture in his own home, a quaint brick villa originally constructed in 1917, and renovated to his own design in 2021, in Skovshoved, Denmark.

[All photos featured in this article are styled and shot by Frederik Werner.]

Frederik's Skovshoved Residence exemplifies the core principles of Norm Architects - a well-balanced harmony of Japanese aesthetics and Scandinavian materials. Exposed brick walls and wooden beams create a warm and inviting backdrop, while curated pieces of furniture and design objects add a touch of personality. Light streams in through large windows, bathing the space in a natural glow and highlighting the textures of the materials used. By artfully integrating the Spiral Sculpture into various corners of his living space, Frederik demonstrates how simplicity and functionality can coalesce to elevate the aesthetic and spiritual ambience of a home.

The beauty of the Spiral Sculpture lies in its versatility. As seen here, it sits just as comfortably on a lower platform, on the corner of a bench nestled beside the staircase. What is originally a surface with the primary functional purpose for resting on, is transformed into a pedestal for art, inviting a deeper appreciation for both form and function.

The ability to complement and harmonize with other objects is testament to the Spiral Sculpture's adaptability. Here, placed against a plain wall and accompanied by a couple of thoughtfully placed boxes, the Spiral Sculpture becomes part of a curated vignette, creating a quiet moment of visual intrigue at the entrance to the kitchen.

For a truly dramatic effect, the Spiral Sculpture can be elevated on a tall pedestal. When bathed in natural light, the interplay of light and shadow becomes an integral part of the sculpture's visual story. The physical elevation further emphasizes the sculpture's presence, transforming it into a captivating statement piece, where the Spiral Sculpture’s form, materiality, and craftsmanship are truly highlighted and celebrated.

In carefully curated spaces, the Spiral Sculpture becomes more than just an decor object; it becomes a conversation starter, a tactile reminder of the ethos of slow living, and a bridge between the human spirit and the things we surround ourselves with.

This visual story of the Spiral Sculpture in Skovshoved Residence beautifully underscores the shared values of Origin Made and Norm Architects - a passion for natural, textured materials, a love for clean minimal yet expressive design, and a deep appreciation of the enduring magic of the handmade. This mutual desire to create designs imbued with generations of craft, to produce objects that foster emotional connections is what drew Norm Architects, a renowned studio, to collaborate with a then-fledgling Origin Made. The resulting objects speak to the power of shared values and the timeless wonder of tangible design that truly celebrate the human touch.

Design Collectibles, Furniture, and Lighting by Norm Architects: