Awards and recognition
In October 2023, Vestre was named Architect Client of the Year at the ICONIC AWARDS 2023: Innovative Architecture in Munich. The honorary award is organized by the German Rat für Formgebung/German Design Council and honors the best achievements in architecture, pioneering interior and product design, outstanding communication concepts and especially innovative materials.
ICONIC AWARD jury's statement:
"In The Plus, Vestre is paving the way for what is possible: economic growth, not despite, but thanks to a commitment to a green, climate-friendly future. Building in and with nature – that was the wish of the Norwegian manufacturer of street furniture for the new factory. It was created by the renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group, which also clearly expressed the added value of the new building for the environment and for people in its shape. From the air, the factory looks like a huge plus symbol in the landscape, surrounded by forest landscape. In fact, the structure is made up of five sections, whose functions converge at the central point of contact: the four production wings rises to 21 m above a free-standing glued laminate frame construction, in the centre there is a visitor centre and offices with a circular atrium. The result is a unique typology resulting from the logistical requirements, which is always in contact with the forest thanks to wraparound window strips and facades. A real plus for nature, employees and the brand, which deserves the honorary Architects Client of the Year award."
December 19th 2022, it was announced that The Plus is a finalist to win the newly established Scandinavian Design Awards in two categories: Architecture of the Year and Sustainability Award of the Year. The award ceremony was in Stockholm City Hall February 6th, 2023 - and The Plus won both awards!
March 2023, it was announced that Vestre’s furniture factory at Magnor receives the DOGA Award for Design and Architecture for its refreshing contrast to traditional production facilities.
The DOGA jury’s statement on The Plus:
“When building a furniture factory in the middle of a pine forest, it is particularly important to think of the environment. At Magnor, this is exactly what Vestre and the architect firm Bjarke Ingels Group have done. As the jury, we give our thumbs up to this facility, which exists in harmony with the forest and surrounding area. The DOGA Award for Design and Architecture is presented to The Plus because it is a factory with a playful, visionary formal language. The open design and visitors’ centre at the heart of the factory has created an attraction and encouraged a sense of pride in the local community. With its meticulous placement and use of wood, colour, light and air, The Plus represents a refreshing contrast to traditional production facilities. To other industrial players in Norway, all we have to say is: Be inspired!” the jury comments on The Plus.
- On 16 March, DOGA invites the public to a seminar day and celebration of the recipients of this year’s DOGA Award
During Arendal Week in August 2022 The Plus received Storebrand Eiendoms Sustainability Award.
"The purpose of this award is to be an inspiration and motivation for an industry that means a lot in terms of its climate footprint, and which can have a major positive impact on the environment if we move in the right direction", says Storebrand Eiendom's CEO, Truls Nergaard, in a press release (August 16th, 2022).
"This is a great recognition, especially because we see that the ambitions for the award are the same as ours: To push and be at the forefront of the green shift. We are feeling understood and reconized when Storebrand Eiendom endorses The Plus as a showcase for a project going further than the conventional requirements, and that means a lot", says Vestre's sales and project manager, Marianne Preus Jacobsen.
Later that year, the readers of the design and architecture magazine Detail voted their favorite project in 2022: The Plus, the world's most environmentally friendly furniture factory. Detail is a recognized international magazine for architecture and construction details, which is distributed to 80 countries. Every other year since 2002, an international jury has nominated building projects from all over the world.
December 8th 2022, the magazine Interior Design gathered to a Best of Year-award show in Manhatten and The Plus won the Greater World: Sustainability-category.
December 14th 2022, Wallpaper revealed the shortlist for Best Public Building: Wallpaper* Design Awards 2023. The Plus was among the five finalists and the winner will be presented in the 2023 February issue.