On the northeastern coast of Newfoundland, a place that sits halfway between the equator and the North Pole, Fogo Island is a very unique place. When the Fogo Island Arts venue was founded in 2008, the intent was to drive tourists to visit and appreciate the barren landscape. Their program enables contemporary artists-in-residence to inhabit the island to research and present their work at the Fogo Island Gallery. Exhibitions are presented along with publications who collaborate with international media to gain global recognition for these artists. Simply put, here’s an amazing alternative to traditional residency programs and galleries in North America… an alternative that grew out of the islanders’ creativity and desire for “offshore” partnerships. The small population of Fogo Island is now lucky to have a variety of filmmakers, designers and musicians (among others) meandering their gorgeous surroundings throughout the year.
Todd Saunders, a native of Newfoundland (now residing in Norway), designed the iconic Fogo Island Arts studios. Throughout the island, 4 different studios sit and wait for an artist to inhabit them. Conforming to the rugged surroundings, these studios are anchored into the landscape of volcanic rock by steel legs. Much care was taken to use local products, which were transported to the building sites by hand.
Strikingly contemporary in design, Saunders’ Fogo Island Inn is the place that houses the artists and tourists that frequent Fogo Island these days. The building sits on stilts which allow all 29 rooms floor to ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Atlantic coastline. Again, in remaining true to the ecology, local craftspeople were employed and the natural materials such as cotton, wood and linen are the only ones present in the rooms!
The X-shaped structure features a two-story west-to-east wing which contains gathering spaces, and a four-story south-west to north-east wing parallel to the coast, containing all of the guest suites. Built in 2013, the intent was to match the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Intention accomplished!
Image courtesy of: Fogo Island Inn
One of the four “on-site”studios, which range in size from 200 to 1,200 square feet. Of course, high speed internet is installed in each studio for everyone’s modern-day convenience!
Image courtesy of: Best Design Guides
Vernacular architecture was essential in order to keep from disturbing the volcanic rocks, vegetation and cod fisheries. Foreign to many of us, stilts are a part of the architecture in barren places such as Fogo Island.
Image courtesy of: Azure Magazine
The dining room, like the suites, features impressive floor to ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean.
With European saunas, a cinema, bikes to rent, and a plethora of common areas throughout the property, this hotel truly has something for everyone!
Image courtesy of: National Geographic Lodges
