© 2009 Transplant. Milano fair Moods…

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Last April, we traveled to Milano in Italy to take the pulse of creative energies.
We met, with great pleasure, Sarah and Tim from Studio Glithero during their performance at Craft Punk, shared common thoughts with the Director of Vitra Museum, Arvesund in front of the rainy Duomo to exchange thoughts and smiles, Ewa Kumlin, Director of Svensk Form around a glass of champagne for the opening of the designated Swedish space at Design Miami and shared a delicious dinner with Kasthall team after watching their new collection.

Milano was refreshing, enriching, from understanding the evolution of our friends and their projects to unexpected creative impulses.

We are happy to announce that our packaging design for Kystvilt and the identity we created for Driftig will be published in the next Design and Design book of the year volume two. The book will be available from December 2009.

The stair producer Hagen has transformed an old tramway garage in Skøyen, Oslo  to make it into it’s flagship showroom.  Ralston & Bau designed the 800 m2 space. The concept is inspired by the surreal staircases found in the works of the artist M. C. Escher, who used stairs as a major subject in his art.

When you enter the showroom you arrive at the entrance of the Stair Garden - before your eyes  different stairs are leading up to a second floor. Individually styled rooms give each stair  a itting surrounding, for example a Japanese interior with a dark laqued stair and an entrance to a happy family’s home, where the stair becomes a playground.

Meeting spaces are included among the stairs. The whole Stair garden is an invitation to discover the product in an exquisite and human environment.

Name: Studio Hagen
Mission: 800 m2 showroom
Client: Hagen Trapp
Period: 2008-2009
Delivery: concept, interior architecture and design, facade design

For Hagen’s, Norway’s leading wooden stair producer, new shop-within-a shop concept Ralston & Bau designed a modular display solution to present materials and stairs. The full scale prototype was produced in Transplant’s model workshop.

The display is a simple corner module with fixed floor, that can stand alone or as part of a combination of two, three or more modules, depending on the shop space and articles that will be presented.  Full scale steps, placed as if cut away from a bigger staircase, give the user an interactive sensation of walking upward. The space surrounding the stairs leaves ample space to exhibit stair products such as steps, handle samples and materials.

Name: Hagen Display
Client: Hagen Trapp
Period: 2008-2009
Delivery: concept, furniture design, concept models, full scale prototype

“Sur un Arbre Perché”, the parisian restaurant Ralston & Bau designed in 2003 has been selected and published as one of the most unique restaurants in the world in the international book published “Extreme Restaurants” by Tectum Editions.

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“SWING SEAT RESTAURANT
Poetry in motion, France:
The name of this restaurant refers to the title of a famous fable by Jean de la Fontaine, about a fox that using flattery succeeds in tricking a piece of cheese from a raven who sits high in a tree. There is also something mythical about dining at Sur Un Arbre Perché. The inspired interior of this Parisian restaurant is dominated by a stylized white tree, with branches that fan out over the ceiling. Here you can either eat in one of the swing seats that are fixed to the ceiling with cables, or hidden in one of the comfortable wooden ‘nests’ that are fixed at various heights or deep in one of the cushion filled chairs. The lighting fixtures are made of wire that is shaped to look like birds nests. The service is young and efficient and the kitchen is fresh and inventive.” Extreme Restaurant, Tectum.

You could buy it on Tectum webstore. We invite you to look at the PDF preview clicking here.

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An intimate and delicate space in Paris that is dedicated to a balanced fusion of Japanese and French gastronomy. Sous les Cerisiers (under the cherry trees) is your invitation to taste the delicious cooking of Sakura.

Both cultures have influenced the interior concept.  A deep theatrical influence on the surroundings, typical in Japan and France , can be seen through the layers, of scenography, costumes and shadows cast throughout the interior. A  contrast of dark and light divides the room in to two parts: the bright space with the bar as a center point is used for cooking courses during daytime, and the dark part ,following a perspective angle, where the guests are placed to enjoy a gastronomic menu at night. Move-able and translucent walls separate the seating areas for privacy.

www.souslescerisiers.com

Name: Sous les Cerisiers
Mission: Japanese-french Restaurant
Client: Sakura Franck
Period: 2008-2009

Delivery: concept, interior design and development, material selection, furniture design, profiling.

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Vestnes Ocean is an experienced maritime interior builder and the initiator of the Willy furniture collection. We felt that the maritime furniture available on the market lacked an understanding of the living conditions on-board vessels. Willy, is the result of a strong knowledge of the boat industry and contemporary design skills. The designers Ralston & Bau,
introduced simple shapes, new materials and techniques to make user friendly furniture.”

“Low drawers are rounded, providing more floor-space for the feet and doors are soft, to make corners inoffensive. The furniture shapes are inspired by the famous orca Willy, who lived happily in a fjord
close to Florø on the west coast of Norway, where Vestnes Innredning is located. We wish you
a pleasant life in the company of Willy.” Jonny Bjørnset, Vestnes CEO.

After the concept sketching phase, we visualized the whole Willy range through 3D scale models in order to aide agreement with the project group over every detail. This also made it possible for us to visualize the functionality of the whole space.

The series has simple shapes and through the use of new materials and smart functions we created user-friendly, space optimized furniture.

The Willy furniture is designed in three series in different colour and material options for the sofa,
the wardrobe and drawers, the desk and table, the shelves and bed. An interior collection has also been designed to fit with the furniture. It comes in two colours and material options for the textiles, floors
and walls in each series.

The maritime furniture collection Willy was presented for the first time to the public in June 2007 at
the International Shipping and Maritime Exhibition and Conference NORSHIPPING in Oslo, Norway.

www.vestnesocean.com

Name: Willy
Mission: Maritime Furniture & Interior Collection
Client: Vestnes Innredning
Period: 2005-2008
Delivery: concept development, interior design, furniture design and development, strategy
See also: Willy - Identity & Fairstand

photos: © 2009 Vegard Fimland for Vestnes Ocean.

From top to bottom: View in pullman cabin / Willy pullman bed, sofa, desk and locker.

Willy Maritime Furniture & Interior Collection folders at Norshiping 2007 in Oslo.
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“Willy is part of the whole, an interior developed exclusively for ships.”

Jonny Bjørnset, Vestnes CEO.

To complete the Willy project, we designed a whole new identity. After developing the brand name Willy, we created a new logo, brochure and the web design for the super tanker company Vestnes Ocean Group. Inspired by the boats itself, we used strong colors, simple lines and the soft shapes of the furniture.

We also created system folders for the furniture & interior selection process to make it as simple a choice as possible to select Willy furniture:

The first part of the selection process involves choosing one of three Willy ocean themes (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian) that are representative of the colours and materials, after this you must select one of the fitting port themes ( Los Angeles & Panama, Bergen & Havanna, Singapore & Mumbai) for the rest of the interior (besides the furniture). To complete the Willy look you must then choose a general warm or cold theme for the less flexible  parts of the ship that can only be slightly altered due to technical specifications such as the bridge and day rooms.  A simple graphic description guides you through these three Willy selection steps.

The maritime furniture collection Willy was first presented to the public in June 2007 at the International Shipping and Maritime Exhibition and Conference NORSHIPPING in Oslo, Norway. In order to show Willy furniture in use as realistically as possible we asked an actor to live in the Willy fairstand for the full two days of the conference. Customers were able to sample and see how they sleep, sit, eat or read in a Willy furnished environment.

www.vestnesocean.com

Name: Willy
Mission: Identity & Fairstand
Client: Vestnes Innredning
Period: 2007-2008
Delivery: concept development, strategy, brand identity, web design
See also: Willy - Maritime Furniture & Interior Collection

“Driftig” is an online platform for entrepreneurial learning, motivation and guidance. On “Driftig” you can find useful articles and links about “Lære” (learn), everything from kindergarden through to high-school. In the “Skape” (create) section you will find guidance on how to establish your own business. “Drive” (drive) is where to find tips and advice about improving your existing business.

The identity of Driftig is awarded for the Design and Design International Award 2009.

“Driftig.no“, Sogn og Fjordane’s Internet platform for education and businesses.

Name: Driftig
Mission: Online Platform
Client: NHO, Innovation Norway and the County of Sogn and Fjordane
Period: 2008
Delivery: concept, graphic design, web design and development

The concept development and design of this former East Finmark caravan park has transformed it into an internationally acclaimed luxury resort and the first Norwegian member of Design Hotels TM. The Other Side is inspired by the local Samé culture, the sport of dog mushing and the ornamental richness
of nearby Russia.

The world of the owners was of great inspiration to the concept of The Other Side.
They are both experienced adventurers and dog mushers.

Twelve Element Houses are positioned in groups of three, providing private housing. Each are designed following the basic elements of the Samé culture; wind, fire and water. Outside the houses, the visitors confront nature; experience the magic of the midnight sun in summer, the Northern lights and
the extreme cold of winter.

Neiden is situated only a few kilometers from the Russian border. Just next to the plateau there is an unique orthodox chapel. The project is under development.

www.theotherside.no

Name: The Other Side
Mission: Design Hotel
Client: Merethe Mikkola and Bjørnar Bjørkhaug
Period: 2005-ongoing
Delivery: strategy, concept development, interior architecture design,
interior design and development, brand identity and profiling

Ralston & Bau designed Transplant, a new Norwegian innovation and design center in Dale i Sunnfjord, which opened in August 2007. The building itself was developed by the former Renzo Piano architect Attila Eris who also designed the Paul Klee center in Bern, Switzerland.

The building
Ralston & Bau designed and developed the concept of Transplant, the interior of the building, the facade and the visual identity.

Paper wall
Ralston & Bau worked together with Duralmond, a Spanish based company, on the design and development of the facade of Transplant. It is inspired by stacks of paper and was designed exclusively by Ralston & Bau and for Transplant in 2006.

Think & Share
Transplant is a platform where design, art, music and new materials work in unison. This is a space for freedom of thought, experimentation and adventures involving all human senses in an unique surrounding. Ralston & Bau incorporated three wings into the design of the building, each around 200m2, to represent each aspect of their dream idea factory: one wing is to think, another one to experiment and share, and a final wing to shape.

Name: Transplant
Mission: Design Competence Centre
Period: 2005-2007
Delivery: concept development, interior design, furniture design, facade design, visual identity

photos: © 2009 Vegard Fimland

Blueway is Northern Europe’s leading helicopter company. Blueway’s fleet of helicopters offer international services in the fields of Oil & Offshore, Infrastructure, Environment and Search & Security. We were asked to visualize their future vision by building a whole new profile.

www.blueway.no

Name: Blueway
Mission: Company Profiling
Client: Airlift / Blueway
Period: 2007-2008
Delivery: visual identity, profiling documents

We worked together with the Norwegian Seafood center on a series of recipe cards and badges for children’s cooking workshops.
“I ate you! / Superenergy / Brainbooster”

www.vilvite.no

Name: Seafood For Kids
Mission: Merchandise Competition
Client: Vilvite
Period: 2007-2008
Delivery: graphic design, illustration

© 2008 Product photos by Vegard Fimland for Kystvilt.
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Kystvilt is a game meat product from the West coast of Norway. This high quality meat is even more special due to it’s unique taste that comes from the flavor of the blueberries that the deers eat during
the Summer along the coast.

The handmade sausages and meats come in jute bags with detailed descriptions of the content and their origins for the customers. The design of Kystvilt is inspired by hunters and nature and is awarded for the Design and Design International Award 2009.

Name: Kystvilt
Mission: Design for a Game Meat Producer
Client: Bjarte Mads Midtbø
Period: 2006-2007, 2008
Delivery: strategy, identity & branding, packaging, art direction of photography

Modular signal system for tourist information about continental Europe’s largest glacier and norwegian national park.
Totem and information modules are placed at twenty seven information spots around the park.

The modules are fixed to the surface of the terrain with a concrete and wood structure. This structure is then covered with natural materials sourced from the surrounding area to create as natural a look as possible, as if the module has grown from the ground. For example, when the module is placed in an inbuilt area the module’s supporting structure is hidden by paving stones. When the structure is placed in a grassy field the structure is hidden by surrounding grass. The information on the modules has been specifically adapted to provide information regarding the area surrounding each module. The closer to the glacier, the more specific the information becomes about the glacier.

The main material of the modules is a mix of granulated recycled plastic mixed with a polyester based plastic which is 100% recyclable. The blue semi-transparent colour is custom made for this particular project and called “ice blue”. It was exclusively designed by Durat for Ralston & Bau.

Name: Jostedalsbreen Nationalpark signs
Mission: Glacier Modules
Client: Statens Naturoppsyn
Period: 2005-2007
Delivery: concept, information structure, module industrial design, graphic design

We created a whole new identity for our local Fjaler region. The people here are  open minded to new cultures and different nationalities, the light is unique in every season and places of interest and business sit next to each other like butter and bread. These every day and local experiences influenced the final designs.

Name: Fjaler Kommune
Mission: Municipality Identity
Period: 2006-2008
Delivery: identity & branding, publications, art direction for web

Sur un Arbre Perché is a restaurant in Paris. The concept is based on a fable by Jean de la Fontaine,
“The Crow and the Fox” and proposes a space based on children’s dreams and contemporary comfort.

Just next to the heavy traffic of a Parisian boulevard, the restaurant presents a breath of fresh air with Nordic inspirations. Wood from a 200-year old barn has been utilized to create intimate spaces on different levels.  The white tree is placed centrally in the restaurant, spreading its leaves throughout
the whole space. On the entry level it is covering the ceiling, on the first floor it is painted on the floor.
From the tree, four rocking chairs are hanging to receive guests for a relaxing meal for two. These seats are always reserved. The restaurant has several levels that create secluded intimate spaces. Sails diffuse and make the lighting more indirect. The Nest chair and table for 2 or 4 person was especially designed for this restaurant and are made out of rought iron and polyethylene.

Sur un Arbre Perché is a restaurant which offers different pleasures.
The restaurant includes a Tea and Shiatsu salon.

www.surunarbreperche.com

Name: Sur un Arbre Perché
Mission: French Restaurant
Client:
Period: 2002-2005, 2007
Delivery: concept development, interior architecture, profiling, web design, furniture design
See also: Nest Chair

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Sur un Arbre Perché has been selected as “One of the most unique Restaurants in the word” in their selection “Extreme Restaurants” in 2009. Read more here …

Nest chair was specially designed for the “Sur un Arbre Perché” restaurant in Paris. The chair, as well as the restaurant, is inspired by Jean de la Fontaine’s fable “The Crow and the Fox”.

The chair is produced in wrought iron and the pillow in natural latex.

www.surunarbreperche.com

Name: Nest Chair
Mission: Furniture for Sur un Arbre Perché
Client:
Period: 2002-2005
Delivery: furniture design and development
See also: Sur un Arbre Perché

An old warehouse that has been transformed into comfortable apartments that are available for tourists to rent in Dale in Sunnfjord.

From the choice of colours to the names of the apartments and the images on the walls, inspiration came from the old steam boats that used to dock at the Dampskip ekspedisjon. A warm interior that maintains a distinct touch of simplicity. The D/S chairs and tables were especially designed and manufactured for
D/S Ekspedisjonen and have been awarded for the Norsk Form prize 2005.

www.dsekspedisjonen.no

Name: D/S Ekspedisjonen
Mission: The House on the Dock
Period: 2005
Delivery: concept development, art direction of interior, profiling, furniture design
See also: D/S Chair and Table

These tables and chairs were especially designed and manufactured for D/S Ekspedisjonen, an old warehouse that has been transformed into comfortable apartments for tourists in Dale I Sunnfjord. The inspiration came from the old steam boats that used to dock at the Dampskip ekspedisjon. Both chairs and tables are produced in massive oak. They are divided by a strip of sikaflex, which is inspired by the deck of a ship.
D/S Table and Chair: awarded Norsk Form prize 2005
(the nice cat on the picture is called Sushi and he begins to like fish)

www.dsekspedisjonen.no

Name: D/S Chair and Table
Mission: Furniture for D/S Ekspedisjonen
Period: 2005
Delivery: concept development, art direction of interior, furniture design
See also: D/S Ekspedisjonen