Nestled high up in the Swiss Alps lies a boulder, surprising I know. This boulder is rather special and is very different from every other rock on the face of the huge mountain range. What makes it different? Well it’s not a rock at all. It looks like one from almost every angle and it’s perfectly camouflaged among the thousands and thousands of similar boulders. This boulder was designed by a special team of architects and designers who came together to create a truly unique experience.
The boulder was inspired by the strong, “Swiss tradition of observing the Alps, living with them, and hiding inside them”.
The team named the boulder “Antoine” after a famous novel character who was trapped in a landslide beneath the rocks for 7 weeks and somehow survived.
The boulder is not a boulder at all. In fact, this giant rock looking structure is actually a very cozy cabin, hidden amongst nature in one of the most grand landscapes on this earth.
Engineers and architects spent 6 weeks fabricating this one of a kind cabin and their goal was to blend into the natural beauty that surrounds them.
They did not go overboard with lavish furnishings or creative comforts. This rock cabin is equipped with a couple of beds, a table, a heater, and most importantly some of the best views in the world.
Rather than building a cute micro cabin that stood out, they wanted this one to be hidden. The designers decided to coat the entire thing in concrete and paint it like a rock to keep its romantic appeal.
Inside the cabin is very basic but the exterior is lined with steel rebar and ferrocement. After the concrete was applied, it was professionally painted to match the surrounding landscapes.
The texture is rough and durable. It perfectly resembles a boulder and can withstand the harsh elements of the Swiss Alps.
Constructing the tiny boulder cabin was no easy feat and either was installing the boulder.
They had to pick up the boulder using a crane, and place it on a flatbed truck. From there it traveled many arduous miles up a steep dirt road to its final resting place.
In fact, transporting the giant boulder was so difficult and impressive that the team made a video about the journey. You can check it out below.
This boulder cabin might just be the perfect place to escape. Completely hidden and submersed in nature with a picturesque setting surrounding you.
When the team was asked if this place would have a permanent guest or if Antoine was available to rent they simply replied, it is a place that is “somewhat subversive in its use where one can freely enter and hide.” When I hear this, I like to think that the designers are saying if you can find it, you can use it!
Check out the video of the transportation and installation of this impressive cabin.
If I could think of a perfect setting and a perfect place to unwind and soak in the things in life that truly matter, this would be it. This little boulder cabin is a place that truly encompasses nature and a minimalist experience that forces you to focus on your environment. If I ever make it to the Swiss Alps, I will be surely seeking out this little stone haven. This is one time I wouldn’t mind being caught between a rock cabin and a hard place.