JEVNAKER.- Kistefos Museum has announced the winner of its highly anticipated furniture design competition, unveiling 28-year-old architect and furniture designer Fredrik Sletner as the creator behind the new dining chair and table that will furnish the museum’s visitor center opening in June 2026. The contest drew more than 100 submissions from emerging and established designers alike, but the jury’s decision was unanimous: Sletner’s proposal stood out for its craftsmanship, originality, and deep connection to Kistefos’ history.

For Sletner, the recognition is both a professional milestone and a meaningful personal achievement. “Being chosen as the winner is truly special,” he says. “It means a lot that Kistefos is inviting younger voices into the architecture and design world. This project has allowed me to immerse myself in craft and let the history of the place guide the work. It made the process both meaningful and incredibly fun.”

His winning design, titled “TAPP,” is a furniture series made entirely from solid wood and crafted without screws or metal fittings. Each chair features a woven paper-yarn seat, a subtle tribute to the historic pulp mill that once operated on the Kistefos grounds. The jury praised the design for its clean lines, ergonomic comfort, and commercial viability, noting how seamlessly it bridges Kistefos’ past and present.

“The furniture represents contemporary Kistefos, with modern, refined lines and architectural references to the new visitor center, while also honoring the cultural heritage of the site through the chosen materials,” the jury wrote.

The new furniture will be produced by Kistefos Møbler, which will manufacture the pieces for the museum’s upcoming visitor center designed by Lundhagem architects. Kari Roll-Matthiesen, Director of Kistefos Museum, believes the furniture will play a defining role in shaping the building’s atmosphere. “We are very proud to support young talents like Fredrik Sletner. This project embodies the way we aim to create spaces where art, architecture, and craftsmanship coexist.”

The competition attracted strong interest from students and young professionals, a response that deeply impressed the jury. Jury chair Peter Oscar Munthe-Kaas emphasized the importance of initiatives like this at a time when early-career designers face challenges entering the field. “It is clear that this was a much-needed opportunity. Many young designers struggle to find relevant professional work, and we hope that our process encourages others to create similar pathways.”

Second place went to Sigurd Røsok, and honorable mentions were awarded to Atle Løvberg, Taran Neckelman, Viktor Myhre Sakshaug, and Jonas Klev Selvikvåg.

Sletner, who studied at the Aarhus School of Architecture and later founded Studio Treværk in Oslo and Copenhagen, is already deep into the production phase. His “TAPP” series focuses on modularity and craft: its signature wooden dowels—“taps”—allow the pieces to be assembled easily, while the table’s square top can be replaced with a round version for flexible use.

“I’m excited to continue developing the furniture at Kistefos Møbler’s factory,” Sletner says. “It’s a privilege to contribute my work to such an inspiring setting.”