Imagine a bespoke collection of timeless, inherently beautiful furniture pieces inspired by shared Japanese and Scandinavian values, made specifically for a Michelin-starred restaurant located in one of Sweden’s largest vineyards. Now imagine that collection in your own home. That reality is the ÄNG Collection, a series of four gorgeous pieces designed by multidisciplinary studio Norm Architects and architect Keiji Ashizawa for Japanese lifestyle brand Karimoku. In line with the quiet elegance and sophistication of Karimoku’s case study 06, the Restaurant ÄNG, the collection cultivates a tranquility and harmony with nature through its use of natural and refined materials and architectural lines reminiscent of the modern glass greenhouse the restaurant lives in.
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
Photo: Norm Architects
The ÄNG collection is made up of a dining table, bench seating, a coffee table, and a trolley cart. The round A-DT03 dining table, designed by Ashizawa, is based on its rectangular predecessor, designed originally for Karimoku’s case study 04, the Azabu Residence. Its diagonal shape is perhaps its most notable characteristic, along with the apron-less design which aids in its minimal profile.
Photo: Norm Architects
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
Photo: Norm Architects
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
The rest of the pieces in the collection are designed by Norm Architects. Like the dining table, the N-CC02 bench is also an extension of the existing N-CC01 design. The innermost parts of the bench are fully upholstered for a comfortable experience while the outer parts is where the wooden elements, which are more architectural in expression, can shine through.
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
Photo: Norm Architects
The N-CT02 coffee table design stems from the ever-changing needs of a restaurant that rearranges its dining settings often. By itself, the coffee table resembles a plinth-like object. In groupings, it provides a flexible solution to accommodating larger party sizes. Upon closer inspection, the locations of joinery can be found by the contrasting colors. The N-CT02 is available in Pure Oak, Smoked Oak, and Grain Matte Black Oak.
Photo: Norm Architects
Photo: Jonas Bjerre Poulsen
Photo: Norm Architects
Photo: Norm Architects
Lastly, the N-T01 trolley is a restaurant staple, flexible in meeting the needs of the kitchen and staff. Its design is inspired by Japanese temples and shrines that often have umbrella and shoe racks at the entrance. The paper-braid handle adds a contrasting texture and enhances the tactility of using the trolley.
Photo: Norm Architects
Photo: Norm Architects
Photo: Norm Architects
For more information on the ÄNG Collection, visit karimoku-casestudy.com.
