Mountain Restaurant by Herzog & de Meuron

Architects Herzog & de Meuron have created a timber-framed structure cliff restaurant perched on the top of Chäserrugg mountain, within a cable-car station of 7420 feet peak.

Architects: Herzog & de Meuron
Location: Chäserrugg, Toggenburg, Switzerland
Photography: Juergen Pollak

Summit Restaurant in Switzerland by Herzog de Meuron 5

Summit Restaurant in Switzerland by Herzog de Meuron 4

The new mountain restaurant is placed perpendicular to the station, extending horizontally along the mountain panorama towards the south. A large roofed area connects the two structures and creates an outdoor arrival hall.

Summit Restaurant in Switzerland by Herzog de Meuron 3

Summit Restaurant in Switzerland by Herzog de Meuron 2

The restaurant is a long, flexible space, its atmosphere marked by the repetitive woodwork from locally sourced spruce trees. The low-hung roof resting on closely placed columns is the dominant element of the building with a covered terrace in front. Glazed on three sides, the restaurant offers spectacular views of the scenery. Niches with built-in benches and tables occupy the fourth side of the room. Each niche has its own window and thus its own framed view of the mountainscape.

Summit Restaurant in Switzerland by Herzog de Meuron 8

Summit Restaurant in Switzerland by Herzog de Meuron 7