Our clients experience some of the world’s most iconic, most loved and most unique buildings and hideaways. From a cantilevered hotel on Canada’s Atlantic coast, unique tree rooms in Sweden to beautifully poised sea cabins in Norway. The designers and architects are not only innovators, but custodians of a sustainable future being sure to respect the natural surroundings in which their designs come to life. Here we select five of the best architect-designed eco builds in Canada and the Nordic countries. 

Manshausen sea cabins 

Manshausen Island Resort in Norway was designed by award-winning architect Snorre Stinessen who has won several prizes for the resort at the Architizer A+Awards in New York, often referred to as 'The Oscars of Architecture'. The resort, situated in the Steigen Archipelago off the coast of Northern Norway, features four sea cabins that jut out from the island. The floor-to-ceiling glass wrapped around their fronts allows for the best views of the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your cabin. During the day guests can look out for wildlife like sea eagles or simply feast on the view of the rugged shore.

Arctic Treehouse Hotel 

Designed by Helsinki-based Studio Puisto, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel opened its doors in 2016. The Arctic TreeHouse Suites and Arctic Glass Houses are located in Finnish Lapland’s Boreal forest. Experience nature and arctic mysticism in your own romantic nest high above the forest floor. Safe from the cold during winter, guests can marvel the Aurora or take in the stunning view over the fell. The ecological footprint of the materials and processes used to build each unit played an important part in the design of the hotel. 

Fogo Inn, Newfoundland 

Described as 'architecture's new rock star', Canadian-born Todd Saunders of Saunders Architecture in Norway is the architectural genius behind Fogo Island Inn located on Fogo Island off the coast of Newfoundland. The aim of this enormous project was to reposition the island community into a cultural, architecturally enlightened destination with The Inn taking centre stage. The Inn was designed to also reflect the many Newfoundland fishing stages across the province - huts made from wood that sit on stilts over the ocean used to dry cod from the Atlantic. The luxury hotel boasts an art gallery, cinema and roof deck hot tubs, and all guest rooms face the ocean.

Hotel ION Iceland 

Hotel Ion, conveniently located an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavik, transports guests into the heart of Iceland’s surreal beauty. The luxury hotel offers exquisite views over moss-covered lava fields by day and the green hues of the Aurora by night. Perhaps the most relaxing spot to take in the stunning view can be found underneath the stilts of the hotel; here an infinity pool allows guests to soak and relax in true Icelandic fashion. 

The Tree Hotel

Whimsical, quirky and nature-inspired minds were at play during the design process of the Treehotel. The hotel which features a total of Seven Rooms each designed by a different architect takes guests high above the forest floor. Its collection of seven rooms takes guests on ride in a spaceship, a Bird’s nest or a dining area high in the tree tops. Several meters above the ground, guests can experience the unique palette of colours Swedish Lapland’s Boreal forest has on offer.