images from Stykkishólmur, the Icelandic town just north of Reykjavík. The building was constructed in 1980 as a landmark for the town, which retains it's original church in the centre. The imposing sweep of the curved concrete walls protrude in a cross formation from the central bell tower.

images of the Svartedalen naturreservat (nature reserve) area in 2008.

images of Swedish houses taken around the Svartedalen naturreservat (nature reserve) in 2008.

a little about the local architecture..

the design of red wooden houses, like those seen in the first and second images, originated in 17th century Sweden. a lack of available red brick in the country lead locals to use a red-coloured pigment, falu rödfärg. this pigment, which gets its colour from the mineralization of the Falun copper mine and also contains iron ochre, silicon dioxide and zinc, provides protection to the timber. to own a Swedish red house was a sign of wealth and prosperity.

this type of paint is still used today in Swedish architecture and continues to blend in with the beauty of the country's landscapes. it is environmentally sound and is entwined with local heritage.

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image of tree branches taken in Warwickshire, UK sometime in the spring of 2008.