Modern classic

Fløirestauranten is a historic restaurant in Bergen, Norway, restored to its former glory. The project integrates a Kvadrat Acoustics solution that contributes towards bringing the building back to life in an acoustically optimised guise that respects its celebrated architectural heritage.

The Kvadrat Acoustic solution is implemented across several spaces and comprises Soft Cells panels suspended from the ceiling with magnets. It improves speech intelligibility and auditory comfort while meeting the challenge of the century-old architecture.

To achieve a seamless fit with the ceilings, the Soft Cells panels incorporate almost 70 openings that precisely match the location of existing ventilation shafts and keep a uniform distance from the existing ceiling trim. Furthermore, they also deliver the flexibility to accommodate any motion of the old wooden building.

The Soft Cells panels are covered in different shades of Casa in the Peiesestuen and the Brasseriet. They are complemented by Soft Cells specified with Mi Casa in the Salongene and the TopFløien dining area, which also includes chairs upholstered in Keiga and benchs upholstered in Moss. The textiles are specified in subtle colours to evoke the colours and materiality of the local nature. In this way, they help to achieve the architects' vision of bringing the outside indoors.

Sonja Solstrand, Sol Design: "Kvadrat Acoustics Soft Cells acoustic panels provide unique and excellent acoustic qualities to the interior. They add a cosy touch with clean lines, where technical installations can be integrated into the panels. Additionally, the Fløirestaurant is an old wooden building with a lot of movement, and the Soft Cells are minimally affected by this compared to other products that were considered. The collaboration with Kvadrat throughout the process was smooth and positive."

Bergen architect Einar Oscar Schou designed Fløirestauranten in the early 1920s. The building's profile was to be reminiscent of the fairytale' Soria Moria Castle'. The restoration pays homage to Schou's old-meets-new vision.