#materialsimplicity

Context and Location

At the northern tip of the island of Bornholm, specifically in the small coastal town of Allinge, Galleri Sonja emerges as a multifunctional space combining a café, shop, and exhibition hall. The project derives its presence from its immediate surroundings, where the ruggedness of the rocky coastline intertwines with the town’s tranquil character, situating the space in a clear relationship with the local geography and memory.

Design Concept

The design, executed by Norm Architects, follows an approach grounded in reduction rather than spectacle. Instead of emphasizing striking formal elements, simplicity and texture are employed as essential tools to shape the spatial experience. Here, natural materials are not used as decoration but as a sensory medium connecting the user to the place.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The project’s identity is evident in its respect for local craft traditions, both in material selection and in how these materials are present within the space. As a result, a setting emerges that feels materially honest, where surfaces and details read as extensions of the surrounding environment rather than as separate elements.

Spatial Experience

Consequently, Galleri Sonja does not function merely as a destination for a quick visit but as a space that encourages slowing down. The intersection of art with daily use creates a calm rhythm conducive to reflection, transforming simple activities, such as drinking coffee or browsing the exhibits, into a fully integrated sensory experience.

The curation of simple objects and raw materials fosters a serene atmosphere for sensory engagement. (Image © Karl Tranberg Knudsen)

The exterior design reflects a harmonious blend of historical Danish architecture and modern minimalist intervention. (Image © Karl Tranberg Knudsen)

The use of solid timber furniture and natural light enhances the sensory connection to the surrounding environment. (Image © Karl Tranberg Knudsen)

Slowness as a Spatial Value

In a contemporary context defined by speed and overconsumption, Galleri Sonja offers a different reading of the role of architectural space. The place does not seek to attract attention through density or variety; rather, it invites the user to slow down and reengage with the material world around them. Here, the sensation of wood, the sound of rain on glass, and the presence of quiet details become essential elements of the experience, not merely a backdrop.

Everyday Details as Experience

The project emphasizes the beauty inherent in simple gestures. Interaction with natural materials occurs not only visually but also through touch, sound, and daily rhythm. In this way, the space becomes a tool to redefine the relationship between humans and their immediate surroundings.

Furniture Between Craft and Architecture

The furniture and fixtures are custom-designed for the space, aiming to create a true harmony between architecture and craft. Chairs, tables, and benches are not presented as independent objects but as extensions of the space itself. These pieces rely on traditional woodworking techniques, interpreted within a disciplined Scandinavian architectural framework, where simplicity is not merely a formal reduction but a functional and aesthetic stance.

Function Without Dominance

Consequently, these elements do not aim to assert themselves within the space but to support daily activities and human interactions that unfold within it. Here, design operates in the background, making room for the experience rather than taking center stage.

Modern furniture silhouettes with rich textures create a sensory contrast against the gallery's historical architectural shell. (Image © Karl Tranberg Knudsen)

Functional spaces like the coffee station are treated with the same material simplicity as the exhibition areas. (Image © Karl Tranberg Knudsen)

Thoughtful spatial planning creates a sense of flow and visual tranquility throughout the various gallery rooms. (Image © Karl Tranberg Knudsen)

Organizing the Interior Space

Every detail within Galleri Sonja is managed with care and intention, serving a clear purpose. The interior emerges as a composition of subtle contrasts, between light and shadow, between smooth and textured surfaces, between polished and raw. These contrasts are not random; they evoke the surrounding natural landscape, reflecting the muted tones of sand, ash, and stone on rocky slopes, seaweed, and the pale northern light that filters through the windows.

Design Philosophy: Soft Minimalism

The project embodies the concept of Soft Minimalism, a central principle in Norm Architects’ practice. This approach combines Japanese simplicity with Scandinavian functional precision, transforming restraint into a form of sensory richness. Here, minimalism is not merely an aesthetic for the space but the essence of presence, a style that allows materials, light, and forms to express themselves in a calm and confident manner.

The Relationship Between Materials and Light

Attention to fine details, such as the texture of materials and their interaction with natural light, gives the space the ability to convey a fully integrated sensory experience. Every surface, shadow, and ray of light contributes to enhancing the sense of tranquility and direct connection with the surrounding environment, making Galleri Sonja a model of harmony between architecture and nature.

Artisanal furniture and organic installations like dried flora create a unique, sensory-driven exhibition environment. (Image © Karl Tranberg Knudsen)

Craftsmanship and Tangible Details

Every piece in Galleri Sonja carries the same spirit of care and attention that defines local handcrafted work, whether in hand-thrown ceramics or island-woven textiles. Collaboration with local artisans ensures that every joint, stitch, or curve bears the light imprint of the hand, striking a delicate balance between precision and imperfection, which gives the interior space its quiet depth and authenticity.

Flexibility in Use

The furniture is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing tables and seating to be rearranged to accommodate intimate gatherings or larger events. This adaptability enhances the user experience and allows the space to be configured according to need, showcasing thoughtful interior design.

The Transformable Counter

The bar counter stands out as a transformable element, crafted with removable wooden panels that slide smoothly, inspired by Japanese shoji screens. This mechanism allows displays to be revealed or concealed with ease and elegance, adding an extra layer of sensory and functional interaction within the space.

Every architectural detail is designed to be touched, celebrating the sensory quality of natural wood craftsmanship. (Image © Karl Tranberg Knudsen)

Sensory Details and Selected Materials

Throughout Galleri Sonja, carefully chosen details extend the visitor’s sensory experience. Handcrafted ceramics, made specifically for the space, accompany daily rituals, quietly reminding us of how design and craft intertwine in the nuances of everyday life. Added to this is the presence of works by local artists and Japanese artisans, making these pieces part of a broader narrative about connection, patience, and mindful presence.

The Space as an Invitation to Slow Down

Galleri Sonja forms a space that encourages pausing, engaging in conversation, or simply being. The atmosphere feels both familiar and timeless, as if the space has always been a natural extension of its surroundings, offering the visitor a fully integrated living experience that combines calmness with a sensory connection to the place.

Even the most transitional spaces in the gallery adhere to the core principles of simplicity and material honesty. (Image © Karl Tranberg Knudsen)

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Galleri Sonja can be considered an architectural experience focused on material simplicity and sensory interaction, representing a positive aspect in terms of creating a calm, coherent space in harmony with its natural surroundings. By emphasizing natural materials and local craftsmanship, the project provides an opportunity to reconsider the relationship between humans and place, offering a model for integrating art and daily use within a consistent architectural design.

However, from a broader analytical perspective, the project raises questions about the applicability of this approach in other contexts. The reliance on soft minimalism and evident restraint in design makes the space highly specific, which may reduce its flexibility or capacity to accommodate activities beyond the intended use. Additionally, the focus on sensory experience and fine details may require high levels of maintenance and supervision to preserve the quality of materials and craftsmanship, posing challenges for intensive or long-term use.

In other words, the project can serve as a model for exploring the balance between simplicity, spatial experience, and craftsmanship, but it is important to study how these concepts adapt to larger practical contexts or different uses. Architecture enthusiasts and readers can view it as a case study that inspires rethinking the relationship between materials, light, and daily functions, while recognizing the practical limitations of this approach in diverse architectural environments.

project location