Chäserrugg, the easternmost of the seven peaks that comprise Switzerland's Churfirsten Massif, is home to acclaimed architectural practice Herzog & de Meuron's latest project.
A popular restaurant and cable car station for holidaymakers in the region since 1972, the original structure was never meant to house a public space, or stand the test of time. In fact, it was originally built as a temporary accommodation unit for construction workers. This was demolished to make way for Herzog & de Meuron's new build, which incorporated the original concrete and steel foundation with a brand new facade.
'We used wood in order to develop a language and materiality that suits the Toggenburg region,' explains Christine Binswanger, senior partner in charge, 'but without resorting to the usual Alpine cliches.'
The architectural practice's talent for referencing local heritage without resorting to pastiche is well documented and celebrated the world over; as most recently seen in their new Bordeaux stadium.
'The project was executed by craftspeople from the valley,' explains Binswanger of Chäserrugg. 'Because local companies were involved, those working on the project were committed heart and soul, making sustainable use of resources possible.'
Sheltered beneath a large sloping roof, the restaurant runs along one side of the structure, making the most of the panoramic Alpine views with three (almost) floor-to-ceiling glazed windows. Sitting perpendicular is the station, connected to the restaurant by a large roofed area.
Although this is a small project compared to some of the Swiss architecture team's usual feats, it nevertheless remains a shining example of their skill and vision.
Chäserrugg is the easternmost of the seven peaks that comprise Switzerland's Churfirsten Massif
The wooden facade of the build was chosen in order to 'develop a language and materiality that suits the Toggenburg region'
Making the most of the panoramic Alpine views, the restaurant features three (almost) floor-to-ceiling, triple glazed windows
Local companies were involved in the build, making the most of regional talent and materials
ADDRESS
Dorfstr.17
9657 Underwater
Switzerland
-
‘It is a collaborative adventure, not a service provision’: Ilse Crawford on design as a tool for advancement and enhancementDesigner Ilse Crawford, founder of Studio Ilse and a revered shapeshifter in the industry, reflects on design in 2025 and finds cause for optimism
-
Meet Daniel Blumberg, the British indie rock veteran who created The Brutalist’s scoreBAFTA-nominated Blumberg has created an epic score for Brady Corbet’s film The Brutalist, in cinemas this week; listen here
-
China’s Alila Shanghai hotel is a stylish hub of idle tranquillityAlila Shanghai, the brand's first urban resort in Greater China, is a serene bolthole amidst the pulse of the Jing'an district
-
Herzog & de Meuron’s Children’s Hospital in Zurich is a ‘miniature city’Herzog & de Meuron’s Children’s Hospital in Zurich aims to offer a case study in forward-thinking, contemporary architecture for healthcare
-
Step inside La Tulipe, a flower-shaped brutalist beauty by Jack Vicajee Bertoli in GenevaSprouting from the ground, nicknamed La Tulipe, the Fondation Pour Recherches Médicales building by Jack Vicajee Bertoli is undergoing a two-phase renovation, under the guidance of Geneva architects Meier + Associé
-
Christian de Portzamparc’s Dior Geneva flagship store dazzles and flowsDior’s Geneva flagship by French architect Christian de Portzamparc has a brand new, wavy façade that references the fashion designer's original processes using curves, cuts and light
-
An Uetikon house embraces minimalism, light, and its Swiss lake viewsThis Uetikon home by Pablo Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados (PPAA) sets itself apart from traditional Swiss housing, with a contemporary design that connects with nature
-
Look inside Sixth&Blanco, Herzog & de Meuron’s first project in TexasStep inside Sixth&Blanco by Herzog & de Meuron, as the Swiss studio reveals interior images of its first ever Texas design, a forward-thinking, sustainable and mixed-use scheme
-
CERN Science Gateway: behind the scenes at Renzo Piano’s campus in GenevaCERN Science Gateway by Renzo Piano Building Workshop announces opening date in Switzerland, heralding a new era for groundbreaking innovation
-
Herzog & de Meuron’s SIP Main Campus weaves together nature and sculptural concreteSIP Main Campus, a new workspace by Herzog & de Meuron, completes on the Swiss-French border
-
Studio Tropicana, Switzerland and Italy: Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023Based in Switzerland and Italy, Studio Tropicana is part of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
