ortomosaikker

Ortomosaikker is a Norwegian brand of ceramic and glazed tile mosaics that gained prominence in the early 1990s. The company was founded by designer and artisan Erik Svendsen in Oslo, with the goal of creating high‑quality, durable mosaics suitable for both architectural and garden applications. Ortomosaikker’s early products were characterized by their use of locally sourced sand, recycled glass fragments, and a distinctive palette of muted earth tones that reflected the natural landscape of northern Norway.

The manufacturing process at Ortomosaikker incorporates a hand‑cutting technique for each tile piece, followed by precise placement on a specialized backing. After assembly, the mosaic panels are sealed with a chemically resistant glaze which affords protection against weathering, making them ideal for outdoor use. Many stations and public spaces completed in the 1990s and 2000s incorporated Ortomosaikker panels, especially in the Oslo metropolitan area, where the company’s work can be seen in tram stops, metro entrances and municipal garden installations.

Throughout the 2000s, Ortomosaikker expanded its product line to include larger format panels, integrated lighting modules and custom design services. A partnership with the Norwegian architectural firm Arkitekter Gruppen in 2005 led to the creation of the “Northern Lights” mural in Oslo’s Bryggekollen area, one of the brand’s most widely recognized public art projects.

The brand has been featured in several design journals, including the Norwegian interior design magazine *Inspirasjon* and *Live Magazine*. In 2018, Ortomosaikker was awarded the Norwegian Design Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Materials. The company remains headquartered in Oslo, continuing to produce mosaics that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities.