Antoine – A Tiny Rock-Shaped Cabin in the Swiss Alps

It would be easy to mistake this tiny cabin for another boulder on the mountainside. The rock-shaped cabin has been designed by the architecture studio Bureau A, and sits very discretely in the Swiss Alps. Called Antoine, the structure-cum-sculpture is inspired by a character from one of Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz’s books.

 

Stone-Shaped wooden cabin - bureau A - Swiss Alps - Exterior Snow - Humble Homes

Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz was, and is, one of the Swiss’s most famous writers. In his novel, Derborence, the main character Antoine survives the massive rockfall of Lizerne in 1714, and it was from this novel that Burea A derived their own homage to the writer.

 

Stone-Shaped wooden cabin - bureau A - Swiss Alps - Living Area - Humble Homes

The tiny cabin was commissioned during an artist residency at the Verbier 3D Foundation. Despite its outward appearance, the interior is a cozy, modern, habitable space. The inside has been finished entirely in light wood, with several pull-downs and fold-away items to form the different living areas.

 

Stone-Shaped wooden cabin - bureau A - Swiss Alps - Stove - Humble Homes

The cabin contains a wood-burning stove, a single bed, a fold-down table, and a stool. To light the interior, there’s a small picture window in front of the table, as well as a skylight in the roof. When not in use, all the items (bar the stove of course) can be folded up to create a larger central area.

Stone-Shaped wooden cabin - bureau A - Swiss Alps - Skylight - Humble Homes

Antoine is also partly derived from the traditional hidden Swiss bunkers that were often used for military purposes. The cabin/sculpture is one of the most unique tiny getaways I’ve come across, and it was certainly make for an interesting stay.

Stone-Shaped wooden cabin - bureau A - Swiss Alps - Plans - Humble Homes

For more cabins check out the Woody15, a tiny off-grid retreat constructed from Cross-Laminated Timber. Or, this modern family home, called F House in Normandie. See all cabins.

Via DesignBoom
Photos: Dylan Perrenoud

Niall Burke

Structural engineer by day, tiny house designer by night. Niall has a keen interest in small spaces, green design, and sustainability. He started developing Humble Homes while studying for his masters degree in engineering. He is the founder and managing editor of Humble Homes.

5 Comments
  1. There are some interesting take-away interior design tricks to be saved from this project.

    But the faux rock image simply looks like an infected pimple on the landscape. A pimple that is ready to burst. Shame on the designer for the exterior aspects of this failed project.

    AVD

  2. Quite the opposite, thinking out side the BOX, has led us here. Not all designs are a insiration for others. Negative comments can be used constructively next ime to fit it amoungst other similar boulders. I have been in various bouler laden fields of the world and USA.
    I APPLAUD THE ARCETECTURE.

  3. A lot of these cabins are used by hikers and travelers, and as such making it difficult to find is odd. That said interesting idea

  4. Ancient dolomite rock art sites around the world are perfect settings for such bouldertecture with surprisingly modern and comfortable inner space! What lasting material forms the faux rocks design?