photographer minh T documents nature and architecture at a glass chalet in whistler

the dense, old growth forests of whistler, canada are home to an exclusive handful of awe-inspiring architectural properties. photographer and creative director minh T, was recently invited by stay one degree — the social network platform for luxury global travelers — to explore and be inspired by a vast, glass chalet tucked among the trees, boasting commanding views of the surrounding landscape. minh T, a former architect with a penchant for photographing urban brutalist structures, was taken out of his comfort zone and into the natural environment, challenged to explore new photographic possibilities and develop his distinctive style through a new lens.

minh T was invited by stay one degree to explore and be inspired by a vast, glass chalet tucked among the trees 

the predominantly glazed, stay one degree’s whistler chalet is bathed in an abundance of natural light throughout the day, offering minh T ample opportunity to reflect on the elements and changing seasons in the surrounding neighborhood of kadenwood. the commanding yet considered architectural features of the property lent itself to minh T’s own photographic style: distilling a scene down to the most essential elements. initially sketching by hand or on his phone, minh T — of celebrated instagram account thismintymoment — was able to isolate and refine the surrounding settings into compositions that could ordinarily not be captured through his lens.

the predominantly glazed chalet is bathed in an abundance of natural light

‘the abundance of glass at the property really makes you feel like you’re always outside in nature,’ minh T says. ‘these layers of glass also created unexpected views as the reflections are juxtaposed on top of one another — the indoor with the outdoor, against the architecture – creating interesting multi-layered views. one morning, we ventured out to lost lake at the crack of dawn, a time when the wind would be calm, and the lake surface would be still. upon arrival, I was taken in by the epic view and the serenity that was present there. it looks like time stood still and, in that moment, I was so inspired to capture this sense of peace and majesty in a photograph. in the image which I felt really captured my trip to whistler, a lone figure is at the centre of this incredible setting, taking in the beautiful solitude.’

stone surfaces throughout the property texturally contrast its glass façades  

minh T’s collaboration with stay one degree forms the first chapter in a three-part series, ‘limitless stories’, which follows three prominent artists as they explore different properties across the globe. working with london-based experience agency wild things, stay one degree is connecting creative forces with its vast network of luxury homes, generating unique and meaningful stories around its passionate community of members, stunning natural surroundings, and inspiring architectural icons. 

layers of glass create created unexpected views of the landscape

‘the abundance of glass at the property really makes you feel like you’re always outside in nature,’ minh T says

minh T is known for distilling a scene down to the most essential elements

the site captures dramatic views of the elements and changing seasons in the surrounding neighborhood

the urban photographer was taken out of his comfort zone and into the natural environment

minh T’s collaboration with stay one degree forms the first chapter in a three-part series

a peaceful image which minh T felt ‘really captured my trip to whistler’

project info: 

client: stay one degree
agency: wild things
creative director: alex wilson
project lead: james wallingford
production: explore impossible
director: adam de silva
DOP: josh monie
location sound: johan winstedt
sound mix: sound node
agency producer: abbey marsh