After You Left/They Took It Apart | Chris Mottalini (USA) | By Emma Harrison

In 2007 just days prior to their demolition, photographer Chris Mottalini captured images inside Paul Rudolph-designed buildings across America. What started out as a homage to the American architect is now all that remains of the destroyed modernist homes, striking in their humble simplicity and architectural beauty.

Sat deserted, forgotten about and only illuminated by the slanting glimpses of sunlight that beam through broken and dusty windows, After You Left/They Took It Apart, documents the tragic disregard for mid-century architecture and acts as a uneasy memoir of Rudolph's work. Despite the desolate nature of the images, the photo series explores the faded opulance of the once celebrated homes and in their final portrait, Mottalini captures a timeless elegance that transcends architectural trends and flavours.

To find out more you can buy the book, published by University of Chicago Press.

Koji Tsutsui Architect & Associates | InBetween House | Karuizawa (JAP) | By Lee Fleming

Located in Karuizawa, a laid-back town situated at the foot of Mt. Asama-yama in South-eastern Nagano is the InBetween House, a private residence designed by acclaimed architect Koji Tsutsui whom having spent several years at Tadao Ando Architect & Associates currently has architectural practices divided between San Francisco and Tokyo.

Inspired by the soaring karamatsu pine trees and alpine scenery, the InBetween House was imagined by its owners as a blend of Philip Johnson and Junzo Yoshimura. Referencing classic nature-infused Japanese architecture, the Inbetween House is actually five separate cabins interconnected and shaded by sloping roofs, Tsutsui designed the Karuizawa dwelling to take advantage of the topography and picturesque views, it also metaphorically represents the homeowners’ divide between a bustling Tokyo city life and rural surroundings.

To view Koji Tsutsui Architect & Associates portfolio visit their website. Photography by Iwan Baan.

Richard Johnson | Ice Huts | Toronto (CA) | By Emma Harrison

The simple ice fishing hut is a familiar sight across the snowy plains of Canada and serves an essential purpose; it must be weather resistant, easily transportable and provide basic shelter and access to the ground below.  Travelling around icy terrain and exploring the differences between ice hut architecture between provinces, photographer Richard Johnson created his Ice Huts project in order to document Canada’s ice fishing culture.

Now in its 8^th year, the project contains more than 725 images of individual huts across nine provinces (top left: Lesser Slave Lake, Alberta; top right: Anglin Lake, Saskatchewan; bottom left: Yamachiche, Quebec; bottom right: Lake Scugog, Ontario). In 2010, Johnson began to shoot his series Ice Villages and travelled to Northern Quebec, Manitoba and New Brunswick to capture a set of wide panoramic shots that integrate the ice hut structures into the background landscape. The Ice Village series will be displayed at Bulthaup until April 18th 2015 as part of the Toronto Design Offsite Festival, happening this week (January 19^th-25^th).

If you’re in town this Sunday, don’t miss the complimentary Artist Talk & Brunch with Richard himself. 

Fogo Island Studios | Newfoundland (CA) | By Emma Harrison

Hidden away twelve miles off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, Canada is Fogo Island, an area of breathtaking, uncultivated and windswept beauty. Home to a population of just 2,500 and with a dwindling cod fishing industry, Canadian charity The Shorefast Foundation set about reviving the island by creating Fogo Island Arts, a residency-based contemporary art venue established in 2008.

Four years later, the organisation commissioned native and Norway-based architect Todd Saunders to design six remote studios scattered across the island with the aim of housing a rotating programme of artists and writers in residence. The six studios (Long Studio, pictured) vary in size (18 sqm-111sqm) and were completed over a period of two years. Each site is autonomous and uses sustainable methods of heat retention and water management to ensure minimal environmental impact. With outstanding views from all angles, the studios are strategically placed and project the occupant towards the Atlantic Ocean via an obliquely slanted, full-height window that frames the horizon or shoreline.

In 2013, Saunders completed work on the Fogo Island Inn, a five star luxury retreat with 29 guest rooms. To enquire about residency programmes or book a stay, visit the Fogo Island Arts website.

Mercado San Cosme | Berlin (GER) | By Lee Fleming

Located in Berlin’s Mitte neighbourhood, Mercado San Cosme is a contemporary Mexican market comprised of a retail area to the front and a custom built Mezcal tasting room to the rear. The retail space presents a variety of items, from food and drink to accessories and homeware alongside remarkable Mexican design. An ‘embassy for mezcal’, the walls feature pre-hispanic imagery and geometric graphics and custom-made furniture features throughout. Pablo Limón, in collaboration with multi-disciplinary studio Savvy Studio and artist NANO 4814, designed the interior of this former 20th century butcher store. The space is also host to art projects and rotating exhibitions, check the Mercado San Cosme Facebook page for more details.

Photography by Coke Bartrina.