Inside a Family Home Built Around a 12,000-Year-Old Boulder | Unique Spaces | Architectural Digest

[@camnova]

A staircase railing that points to a specific star!? The level of forethought is incredible

[@higgsmerino3925]

Yet with all that marvelous construction not one oculus in the building.

[@Mooooty]

A very nice touch, but not original...this has been done many times for thousands of years.

[@moon_bandage]

​@@Mooooty that's alright we all get inspired by things that have already been done

[@kristopha]

wait till you hear about almost every ancient marvel there is

[@stevethea5250]

Timestamp!

[@Eclipsle]

Losing your phone in the couch takes on a whole new meaning when bedrock is involved

[@sdalt001]

My thought. Bad time to stumble to your bed in the dark after passing out on the couch. Drop your keys down that crevace.

[@marketingwithwilliam]

😁

[@camilledeniseborce1817]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@sweetorleans70117]

Now this is architecture! I’m completely blown away!

[@N0Xa880iUL]

Yes! The design can't be any bolder!

[@liverpool4883]

Me to wow

[@annjohnson8437]

You are not alone!!!

[@LadyFayeLovie]

I hope his kids truly understand how special is this house and how lucky they are to have such a dcreative dad who built them such a special place to live. I hope their Mom is just as creative.

[@LadyFayeLovie]

same here. I’d love to be a guest at this house and stargaze through that skylight and chaise lounge.

[@amarug]

As a Swiss I can say this is one of the Swissest accents ever. Amazing house. My dream is to live in such an unconventional house one day.

[@chadroeder]

Cool dream

[@catalinxnecula]

@@chadroeder his accent sounds more like paperclip

[@DanielFernandez]

I love when people are passionately intricate about their homes... this certainly takes it up a notch. Great showcase AD.

[@KiyaWarrior]

If I was a multi-millionaire, I'd do the same. I'd be even more creative than this.

[@superduperkid3143]

you mean rich,

[@defoperator7993]

Every material in that house is top of the line. He aligned his house with the north star and the sun for solar. he did it in one of the most beautiful regions in America fairly close to NYC. He wrapped the house around a glacial boulder...To me its not about getting more creative... this house is a master's piece in design/building and material/location selection. Its not to over the top and silly but its fun and thought provoking.@@KiyaWarrior

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*Is it a selfish notch? It says, **_"I'm so rich that no one is going to enjoy this boulder but me."_*

[@the_real_cookiez]

I believe almost everyone alive has a creative passion. But unfortunately most are hidden under the need to make money. And often times, it's scraping by, so most ppl aren't able to express themselves creatively.

[@jasminrodriguez1930]

We’re currently just leaving this house. We stayed here this weekend and I have to say…. It was a pleasure to stay here, it was absolutely magical and I have even more of an appreciation of it after watching this video. Thank you for letting us stay here.

[@ivoiyo]

❤

[@Talajuno]

Is this an airbnb?

[@marketingwithwilliam]

​@@Talajunonow you got me wondering that🤔 If it is, surely it's worth whatever they charge!

[@nathanielm77]

As a current architecture student, this house was absolutely stunning and amazing. Especially the moment when he showed the hand rail points to Polaris. My jaw dropped to the floor. The attention to details as small as that is simply beautiful. He is are an amazing architect and hope to be great like him one day.

[@bikebudha01]

Well you better be super succesful then... clients with the kind of money to build something like this are super rare. Even rarer, clients who want something this unique.

[@mxgn0]

I mean, get this clients !!! Doesn’t matter if they have it or not it has to be built fck those

[@ButterflyMatt]

As a current boulder, I hope to one day have you build around me. Watch where you put the handrail.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

​@@bikebudha01facts

[@transatlant1c]

@@bikebudha01yep because if they want to buy anything to go in it, it won’t fit. Have fun custom making every single piece of furniture 👍 if I were his daughter, I’d live in the guest apartment.

[@damaskgrinnell]

i love how the boulder is referred to as "he" like "his moss is growing, his trees are growing..." it almost seems to make the boulder feel like another family member, so included and loved in the house built around it

[@marcel9568]

Question is, did the rock agree to be identified as a he?

[@TheImba700]

It really has more to do with the german language of objects having a gendered article. So in german, it is called "der" Felsbrocken, which is masculine.

[@MichaelEMJAYJohnson]

This is probably one of the most impressive compositions of residential architecture I have EVER come across. Bravo Mr. Wassmann.

[@AllenHanPR]

Ive seen better, but this is top 3 for sure.

[@prawiraagung4011]

wassupmann

[@Lobodomin]

LMAO

[@nicholassweller]

This is phenomenal!!! The love he has for nature, kids, the house!!! The zipline with the small soccer field at the end. Every little detail is just so inspiring, makes you understand that he knows the true definition of art and architect combined

[@TheAxis1275]

I love that they featured all his drawings and the model! It truly shows how he intended the space to be used!

[@nottherealChickenJoe]

This is a masterpiece and him actually living in it and being so hands-on and always improving and changing things makes this even better.

[@william_at]

Cosmic Architecture, Polaris handrail, Aureum proportions, geometric obsessed, off grid, 007's aestethic houses... Is a Masterpiece!! Thanks to show us that exist another kind of architecture.

[@myanarchitects]

Yes

[@marketingwithwilliam]

Well said 👏

[@armrugatewood9110]

This is a stunning piece of architecture- actually art! Wassman’s vision of construction, visual composition of all the rooms is mind blowing. The floating staircase against the large expanse of windows, children’s indoor-outdoor shower feature is a naturalist’s dream. Each area is very minimalist yet warm and inviting. And how cool is the sunken living room with exposed bedrock- insane!!

[@MyKneeCold]

It’s not just a rock, it’s a boulder 🥹

[@prim4681]

Did you know that the pioneers used to ride those babies for miles.

[@ghenefer]

It’s star dust!

[@jessica-jeandelavega3068]

Opened this video just see if someone made this comment

[@specialradios]

But t's a rock flik.

[@bassmunk]

I like that boulder. That is a nice boulder.

[@racheldeen6606]

This is Amazing. I love architecture and minimalist living, but this is the first time I have actually seen a house that combined those with warmth instead of an empty coldness. Incredible.

[@ilikeoptter]

Bravo! This is one of the most innovative and original designs I've seen. Bravo, Christian Wassmann.

[@thefamily512]

Sure if you say so. Most of us hate it.

[@DrPeculiar312]

it's cool, but you clearly haven't seen many designs...

[@bricology]

The architect Albert Frey was designing _very_ similar houses 70 years ago. Check out his Palm Springs house, built around a boulder (one of a number that he did with that configuration).

[@neatwheat]

​@@thefamily512 Why hate it? There are different styles and approaches to design but I think most architects will definitely respect his architecture!

[@LearningDrummerSam]

@@thefamily512 Why speak for other people, very strange

[@nathanjagneaux]

Wow wow wow and wow. I’ve studied architecture for more than 30 years and this is one of the best. This is successful on so many levels. Congratulations! Thank you for sharing with us.

[@airwreckagee]

My jaw dropped multiple times throughout this video. The sunken living room into the bedrock, the Polaris handrail, the golden ratio solar roof, the zipline, and let's not forget the main character - the boulder. WOW.

[@sk00bz.]

Love the way he gives personalities to the objects in and around the house. WE are nature, and nature is US. This house makes you feel very connected to nature and your family. Well done!

[@BenjamintheTortoise]

I love how he respects the boulder as a being with spirit... "he's happy" ❤

[@leociresi4292]

The boulder adds a Zen like quality to the house

[@PilotVBall]

That is the most amazing house that I have seen in a very very long time. Actual meaningful thought went into that design and construction. Beyond impressive!

[@mariannealmeida173]

I can see and fell his passion when he speaks about his house. He thought of everything. It is marvelously detailed to function within nature. True artist, extremely intelligent, There is something wonderful when architects add curves to their design. I am in awe.

[@birley4232]

Best AD episode by a long shot

[@theopinionisthighqualityopinio]

For the kind of house that I normally don't like, I REALLY like this one a lot. Everything about it has made me feel calm and happy, which is very unusual.

[@magesalmanac6424]

This house pays a great respect to nature and the land it sits on. Very unusual!

[@pretzelhunt]

what "kind of house" do you prefer, or why is this kind less liked by you?

[@Lauren1989mc]

I felt the exact same

[@theopinionisthighqualityopinio]

@@Lauren1989mc I'm glad to hear this! I was really, really, impressed by the feeling of calmness and the fact that the house doesn't seem to be 'intruding' on its environment at all. Thanks for responding!! Ciao!! 🙂

[@seeharvester]

It's the massive gravitational force generated by the boulder which has attracted you.

[@hamza-chaudhry]

You can tell how passionate he is about this and how much attention to detail he put into it

[@TropicalEskiMoMo]

I've been watching a lot of "high-end" homes the past year on KZbin and i have to say...this may be one of the best i have ever seen. Everything is so thoughtful AND functional. Very rarely do you see practicality and aesthetic merged together so well.

[@1344mads]

"high-end" plywood

[@lordval2774]

I think that’s the coolest house I’ve seen on AD so far, just the sheer beauty of it, what an architectural masterpiece.

[@emm_balance]

it's so peaceful, creative and mesmerizing. unbelievably beautiful and inspiring space

[@Hatamoto90]

Proud to be Swiss! Excellent design that Christian Wass­mann brought to New York.

[@anisanagakawa4856]

I’m truly blown away. The amount of thought that went into this design is so inspiring.

[@topnineshow]

I'm gobmacked by the sheer intricacy of the propertyy and how functional they made it despite the fact!

[@Lifeisshortmakeitcount]

This is the definition of eccentric.

[@okechukwunwankwo2630]

Best piece of architecture that I have seen in a long time.

[@cksspb815]

Wonderful …. Creative, beautiful, functional design. Love the roof, but the entire building is fantastic.

[@str4wbry_e]

I really love the way the windows are wildly put around and take into account the day-to-day experience rather than the façade of the building. something I'll start to keep in mind when modeling spaces.

[@emm_balance]

well i even teared up at the end of a video. this house - even through the screen and the presence of his creator - definitely connects you with your soul, other individuals and something bigger, beyond the vision. Like cosmos, and time, and unexplainable. It's true art

[@rodrocha8063]

This is one of the most amazing houses I’ve ever seen in my life. Absolutely a masterpiece!

[@valarya]

This might be one of the coolest houses I've ever seen.

[@thedreamer6524]

i can feel and see his passion for his craft and all around him…

[@OrenArieli]

What an inspirational design. I love all the 'small' touches like the Polaris-sighting handrail. He's got two lucky children to grow up surrounded by nature, and honoring it. Who knows where it will lead them in their future.

[@Dikdusa]

The detail to have the handrail pointing at the north start is just wild, I bet a snowy day there is very comfortable

[@queenofhearts64]

This house is stunning and I love the concept but the hole in the ground gives me serious arachnaphobia chills 🕷

[@PTRAINBOY]

Or what if you drop your phone 😱

[@Linyuxing]

same i think so

[@Psykel]

@@PTRAINBOYThe floors are concrete. I don’t think you should drop your phone anywhere in this house. Then again, if I were to drop my phone, it’d be an honor if it was there.

[@lapsedluddite3381]

Although I don't mind spiders (I'm a gardener, they eat the bugs that eat my plants), my reaction was similar - creepy crawlies live under rocks! I won't invade their space, so they won't invade mine! 😄 That being said, I love this house and the philosophy it represents, it's beautiful!

[@uncleyetti9553]

Kinda had the same thoughts ha. But do you think they could even get there? It's center-ish so I'm guessing there's foundation and what not all around

[@teamavialae]

this is the nicest house i've ever seen. everything it thought out, everything.

[@freshjive101]

Incredible. The attention to detail is unbelievable. I especially like the separate guest area and the connectedness of the bedrooms to the main living area. Wow.

[@jimandjudyc48]

Amazing, awe-inspiring, and thought-provoking. Clean energy, connected to the earth and sky.

[@lollettealipe9363]

Your build honors nature and honors the historical value of this boulder. Bravo!

[@melvinaltamirano1412]

the greatest invention I’ve ever seen and certainly the most beautiful house ever built.

[@DetectiveGesicht]

This moved me to tears, unexpectedly. What a wonderfully thoughtful space.

[@loveforeignaccents]

You really need to get out more.

[@nazzy101]

@@loveforeignaccents you need to go see a therapist and learn about emotions psycho. you should stay in more with this icky attitude

[@chelseazollinger1631]

⁠@@loveforeignaccentsBeauty touching someone’s heart unexpectedly is a wonderfully human experience. Your derisive comment in response to someone’s expressed vulnerability is unhelpful and unnecessary.

[@aychexseee]

The sheer amount of thought that went into this project, i love and respect so much! The polaris staircase, the unique placement of the windows, and the offset by the golden ratio, just fills my heart with joy. Beautifully built!

[@KMartha22]

This is the most incredible design I have ever seen. I love the attanetion to detail and cohesiveness of each element. It's interesting, functional, stimulating and calming at the same time.

[@creaka123]

This guy thought of every aspect and every viewing point. It’s so connected to the earth not only how it wraps around the boulder but how it’s almost an invitation to admire the world.

[@robbicu]

Wassmann is awesome! This is THE FIRST modern house that I actually like.

[@Linyuxing]

agree with

[@JohnFromAccounting]

It's not in the modernist style. It aligns closer to cosmic architecture like he mentioned in the video.

[@terri241]

Magnificent! After trees, rocks are my favourite companions. I see both as earth's sentinels and building one's dwelling around them is my idea of cosmic harmony. Brilliant architecture in homage to our ancient benefactors and original homes.

[@MsVan13]

Well said and I agree

[@nataliaalfonso2662]

Took having a pet rock to another level.

[@Lucianoaoao]

This is by far the best House that AD featured! This is innovation and also a respect and nod to nature. This is phenomenal. I want to have a house like this in the future

[@Cynthia_108]

Mr. Wassmann is an incredible creative genius. That's the best house I've ever seen. I am obsessed with sacred geometry as well, and appreciate every detail. The Polaris viewing stair rail is Off the Chain!! Insane. The thoughtfulness and attention to detail is mind-blowing. 🤯 LOVE!❤

[@ebarshin]

I, both, absolutely love this house and do not wish to live here. Christian's passion and love for this house is awe-inspiring :)

[@milicanikolic8382]

This is the most beautiful and emotional architectural piece I've ever seen and felt. 🥰

[@sk8r1968]

My mind is blown. A true SMART house on so many levels and connected to the earth. My favorite build of all! Well done my friend. Stay passionate about this planet!!

[@brendanbang6636]

His philosophy is timeless. Cosmic indeed, very well done. That solar roof is everything, the most aesthetically pleasing.

[@efipasiarde]

This is hands down the most impressive residential architecture I’ve ever seen 😮

[@leociresi4292]

I love how this family is in tune with nature itself

[@mjacobs8139]

Love the aspect of incorporating nature. I wish more architects would do so

[@aliahmia4420]

I love how he incorporate his design with nature.

[@legoqueen2445]

Blown away by such an original design! The cohesion of function, sustainability and beauty is stunning. Spectacular! 🎉❤🎉❤

[@AdamKellar]

I've had a passion for architecture my whole life and this is easily one of the coolest houses I've ever seen. What a wonder!

[@englishruraldoggynerd]

Oh that’s simply stunning. Just wow. Wow!

[@cazimi_cosmicSea]

Absolutely delightful, brilliant resonance

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Very nice design. Round houses are always very inefficient space wise but this house isn’t about space efficiency. The rock is the start of the show.

[@Darth_Sai]

The house is a rock-star house

[@Linyuxing]

agree with

[@heytoast7129]

If you have enough money, you can make almost any shape be efficient.

[@mikeandroi2698]

I am stunned. This is not just architecture, its art, its engineering, it maybe a discipline that doesn't exist yet.

[@CooperJeanne]

I love this, architects are the loveliest human beings on earth! Thank you AD for another beautiful and informative video with architects!

[@zdenkamachnyikova9014]

This is the most amazing piece of residential architecture of our modern times. It is pure harmony.

[@rupssiranimishra4559]

Incredible, beautiful, functional and inspiring architecture

[@FakeFayaz]

mind blowing architecture in every aspect just wow

[@gitanjalibabu6691]

Wow!!! One of a kind house! Beautifully designed! Definitely blown away! 😮

[@JosephSMorrison]

By embracing the challenges and possibilities of integrating such a massive natural feature, the architects and homeowners have created a truly unique space that stands as a testament to the beauty of living in harmony with the natural world.

[@heatherblackett6610]

Spectacular and harmonious, yet at the same time very grounded to human scale. Takes a special talent to meld architecture of sacred spaces to practical living: fabulous!

[@luispaulomachadoamorim6937]

A masterpiece, intagrated to the environment! Supercozy, bu the way!

[@lolo3968]

As someone who grew up in an area with rocks as the main landscape feature, I absolutely love this house!!

[@LorenzHod-Kaloz]

That's the most amazing hose I have ever seen for a Family, congratulation for these peace of art. Pravo

[@irishqa.]

Absolutely fell in love with this house and the philosophy behind it. I'm amazed!

[@SHUBH1]

This guy is a bloody genius

[@jerichodivino_]

This is the most beautiful house I have ever seen 🙌🏾💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️

[@ritjigowon]

As an architect, this makes you rethink your approach to design. There's so much 'copy and paste' designs now that have zero innovation or thought to the end user. This is definitely inspiring and fun! To experience this in person would be phenomenal! Great job

[@victoriasieburg3651]

I had to cry because it really touched something in me! Genius! So much passion! :)

[@attention_shopping]

love this! love that it isn't being shown to be sold and was designed so thoughtfully!

[@glennworkman4765]

Amazing! Bravo! Truth,Love,Freedom

[@midoann]

Speechless 🎉🎉🎉🎉. It’s a video to save, download and watch it many times to be inspired, admires human intelligence and creativity. It’s not only earthy but you feel the universe in this piece of land where the beautiful house and boulder are existing as a reminder for us of the amazing universe where we are lucky to live. Congratulations Sir.

[@tytyguy22]

The Polaris handrail is an incredible touch that I am just obsessed with. Upstate New Yorker here and love that this exists in the Catskills. Amazing place!

[@belindam3797]

This is the coolest building I’ve ever seen- its spectacular!

[@hollykelley2369]

LOVE THE SOLAR ROOF PANELS ! BRILLIANT !

[@looksbylex5202]

Wow!! This made me emotional ?? Its so stunning, and the sentiment behind it is lovely ❤

[@owennovenski4794]

Lots to like, admire and appreciate. I do all. Congratulations.

[@tachyonpulse]

Astronomically beautiful and poetic. Love this so much! And that zipline! 💖💖💖

[@kostyapu]

Amazing piece of pure architecture. Little details like double functioning rail pointing to the star makes this rock beauty very unique❤

[@acerone10]

Love this house. The best ever shown on this channel.

[@sparkiano]

Beauty is in the eye of the big boulder.

[@sundancita]

Stunning. That is remarkable and beautiful! Love the built in telescope stair rail!

[@anacarolinadeluca3124]

INCREDIBLE !!

[@kurtlindner]

Ugh, truly inspired design. ♥