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The world’s largest underwater restaurant, appropriately called Under, highlights the beauty of the Norwegian coastal ecosystem by offering diners breathtaking views of ocean life through a 36-foot panoramic window made possible by Reynolds Polymer Technology’s signature bonding process and monolithic technology.
Reynolds Polymer Technology Inc. (Grand Junction, CO) claims to be the world leader in fully integrated, highly engineered acrylic solutions. The company crafted, manufactured and installed the dramatically designed acrylic panel for the gourmet restaurant.
“Reynolds is overwhelmingly proud and excited to be involved with this groundbreaking concept that promotes the beauty and wonder of this region,” said Mark Johnson, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Reynolds Polymer Technology. “What separates Reynolds from the competition is our engineering and full-service capabilities to truly build the impossible. Under is a foremost illustration of the distinctive and revolutionary ideas that Reynolds Polymer Technology is able to dream up and manufacture across the globe. Our renowned process and expert reputation have preceded us for 30 years and allow our talent to construct elaborate projects that set the standard for acrylic in a variety of industries.”
Norwegian architecture firm Snohetta sought out Reynolds Polymer’s expertise to design the window that completes a larger-than-life periscope design, surrounding guests with unobstructed views of the underwater environment while dining on cutting-edge Norwegian delicacies. The acrylic panel encases the restaurant and ensures the safety of guests, who nosh more than 17 feet under water. Reynolds Polymer Technology was onsite to conduct installation of the 13-foot-tall acrylic piece and engineer other components integral to the dining experience.
Designing the world’s largest and Europe’s first underwater restaurant required a partnership with “experts that could truly build the impossible,” said Stig Ubostad, co-founder of Under. “Reynolds Polymer Technology was able to take a uniquely complex project and engineer an acrylic masterpiece that could not only withstand rugged undersea conditions and incredible water pressure but provide a once-in-a-lifetime perspective and experience for our diners.”
The three-story establishment opened its doors on March 20, 2019, and offers local land fare with a menu crafted and executed by master chef, Nicolai Ellitsgaard Pedersen. Beams of light surrounding the restaurant are designed to attract sea creatures—there is an abundance of marine life in this area—in search of nourishment. The restaurant employs its own marine biology team to create the most authentic and extraordinary experience for diners, said the press release.
