The structure and spaces of the warehouse have also supplied varying floor heights and structural framing and rooms vary dependant on where they are in the structure. All however capitalise on space, and use the natural materials of the building – the vast old pine structural timbers, the brick walls simply treated with paint and the floor boarded floors – as the backdrop to the beds and casegoods. Fabrics are kept simple and the whole feel is clean and uncluttered and keeps a feeling of the size of the spaces, typified by the central atrium and the glazing that allows views through the building to the harbour.

The lift shaft is at one end of the atrium, the kitchen and other service areas at the other end. Access to the bedrooms is primarily off the open corridors of the atrium, with short runs to some of the bedrooms. Suites are at the top of the building giving interesting spaces with odd shapes caused by the roof lines, but the rooms with the best views are those a lower levels with a relationship with the water of the docks. These rooms are particularly large, but are flooded with light through the large windows that also provide an intimate look into some boats.

"it is the exterior decorative treatments in stone and brick that make this town a designers delight, and well worth a substantial detour to see"

Furnishings have a typically Scandinavian simplicity and functionality but the whole would get a terrific lift from a boutique treatment along the lines of its sister hotel in Bergen, whilst respecting its wawrehouse origins. Whilst Bergen tends to think of itself as the cultural capital of Norway, Alesund is the capital of Art Nouveau, and the homogeneity of its streets is quite remarkable. Capital of the Norwegian furniture industry too, there is great local sensitivity to any attack on the urban fabric, and when one looks at some of the graceless modern hotels buildings in the town, this becomes completely comprehensible.

Interestingly many of the historic interiors have been preserved, providing a reason for a designer to make a visit here – that and the spectacular Norwegian scenery. Norway is developing as an alternative winter holiday destination with adventure and cross country skiing providing an alternative for continental skiers to the snow diminished resorts of the Alps. However the coastal regions benefit from warmth of the Gulf Stream and remain relatively free of snow. Global warming is increasing the number of visitors who are coming here in the summer seeking escape from the increased temperatures of the Mediterranean, but the tourist infrastructure is oriented around the sea, with trips offshore to see at the ‘bird islands’ with puffins and sea eagles.