The Swiss Alps are known for their camouflaged buildings over the years; from World War II-era bunkers to mansions built at the foot of the mountains. Contiuing the fashion, a new “boulder” has been placed amidst the boulder-strewn slope; but it is no ordinary rock.
If you are driving by the Alps or hiking in the exquisite landscape, you will never guess what’s hidden inside this seemingly normal boulder.
Inside its apparently rough, grey stone, lies a beautiful wooden cabin, along with accessories such as a small bed, a fold-down table, a window, and even a fireplace; making it a complete place to live.
The Swiss studio Bureau A is behind the creation of this Alpine-style boulder, who were inspired by Swiss “strong tradition of observing the Alps, living with them, hiding inside them.”
The rock of wonders is called “Antoine,” which is the name of the main character in the much-famed novel Derborence authored by Charles Ferdinand Ramuz. The book revolves around Antoine getting trapped in a landslide in an Alpine valley and having to survive under rocks for seven weeks.
The rocky structure gives the feel of a regular cabin from inside. It is covered in steel rebar and coated with Ferro cement.
The structure is sculpted and spray-painted into giving the look of a rough replica of an Alpine boulder.
The transportation of the rock was also cumbersome. It was moved using a truck and then installed using a hydraulic crane. Below the video shows the installation process:
The architects have not said anything clear about who can stay in the boulder. But in a cryptic message they did reveal, “somewhat subversive in its use where one can freely enter and hide.”
This seems like it is an open invitation for the people who can find it.
Would you like to spend a night in the boulder? Let us know in the comments’ section below!