Norwegian architecture studio Snøhetta has completed an extraordinary fish-farming facility that dramatically bridges two rocky outcrops in the northern municipality of Ibestad. The striking 1,510-square-meter building, called Anderkleiva, serves as the headquarters for fishing company Magne Arvesen & Sønner and features a distinctive curved volume wrapped in black glass panels that stretches between natural rock formations on a narrow coastal plot.
The building's most defining characteristic is its elevated upper levels, which curve gracefully between the rocky outcrops while being supported in the center by a massive concrete column wrapped in weathering Corten steel. According to Snøhetta, this innovative design was specifically intended to echo the surrounding hills while ensuring that interior spaces maintain clear sightlines toward the sea and the company's existing aquaculture facilities located adjacent to the site.
"The curved shape is a direct response to the site conditions," explained Snøhetta architect Marius Hauland Næss. "By anchoring the structure at both ends and pushing the center outward toward the sea, we achieved a sweeping arc that creates a striking experience: a taut outer facade facing the ocean, the fish pens, and the elements, and a sheltered inner side nestled against the mountain."
The facility houses a comprehensive range of functions including office spaces, industrial halls, storage facilities, and an innovative aquaculture learning and innovation center. Due to its elevated positioning, the building is accessible from two different levels, with ample space beneath for large vehicles and machinery to pass through. Office areas can be reached from a road that connects to the fourth floor, while the learning center is accessed at ground level, creating efficient circulation for different user groups.
The facade of the upper volume represents a carefully considered design approach, featuring black glass panels with stainless steel fins that were specifically chosen to reflect the dramatic Norwegian landscape. This creates an ever-changing elevation that responds to environmental conditions throughout the day and seasons. "The facade was deliberately designed as a reflective glass surface that mirrors its surroundings, especially the dramatic views and shifting weather and light conditions," Hauland explained. "The experience of the facade changes depending on where you stand along its curve. The vertical stainless steel profiles are also reflective and serve to break up the surface while further amplifying the mirrored effect of the environment."
Addressing environmental concerns, Hauland confirmed that the facade design poses no threat to local bird populations, noting that the client has "not experienced any issues" or bird collisions since the building's completion. In contrast to the sleek front elevation, the concave rear side presents a more industrial aesthetic, featuring a metal walkway running along its entire length, geometric concrete cladding panels, and distinctive red window frames that add visual interest.
The interior design prioritizes functionality while maintaining visual connections throughout the workspace. The facility includes a mix of rooms with glass partitions and private workspaces for employees, all designed to facilitate concentration while preserving sight lines between different areas. According to the studio, the heart of the headquarters is the control room, which offers commanding views over the fish pens, allowing operators to monitor aquaculture operations directly.
Snøhetta employed an industrial material palette throughout the interiors, featuring exposed concrete elements and perforated-metal acoustic panels on the ceilings that reflect the building's practical purpose. Strategic use of red and orange details throughout the space emulates the buoys commonly seen in the surrounding waters, including the steel framework of the industrial halls, creating a cohesive connection between the building and its maritime context.
Beyond the main structure, Snøhetta also designed a separate storage and office facility featuring a distinctive sawtooth roof and concrete cladding that harmonizes with the rear elevation of the main office building. This additional structure ensures that all operational needs are met while maintaining architectural consistency across the site.
Founded in 1989 by Kjetil Thorsen and Craig Dykers, Snøhetta has established itself as a leader in innovative architecture and design. Anderkleiva represents the studio's continued expertise in industrial fishing facilities, following their 2018 completion of a facility in Sortlandssundet that features four distinctive buildings with colorful facades. Currently, the studio is developing a mountain-like mixed-use development in Malaysia and collaborating with Benthem Crouwel Architects on a Dutch city hall designed with a "powerful silhouette." The project photography was captured by Sebastian S Bjerkvik, documenting the building's dramatic integration with Norway's rugged coastal landscape.
