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

Today Architectural Digest travels to the Catskills Mountains in upstate New York to tour the Rock’n’House, a remarkable family home built around a 12,000 year-old-boulder. Some might have found themselves between a rock and a hard place after finding a prehistoric glacial erratic in the middle of their land, but for architect Christian Wassmann, it was just what he was looking for. The boulder became the central feature of Wassmann’s design and is always present in his family’s impressive home-the perfect example of how humans and nature can coexist as one.
Director: Alice Roth
Director of Photography: Eric Brouse
Editor: Ron Douglas
Producer: Chase Lewis; Skylar Economy
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Brandon Fuhr
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Camera Operator: Chris Nostrand; Zach Traver
Audio Engineer: Daniela Florez
Production Assistant: Victoria Harrison
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell; Courtney Karwal
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[@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]

😁

[@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.

[@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

[@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."_*

[@ragdolly22]

@@hulkhatepunybanner Thank goodness for a normal comment because that’s how I feel about it.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@TheAxis1275]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!

[@TheAverageJorden]

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.

[@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.

[@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

[@birley4232]

Best AD episode by a long shot

[@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

[@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.

[@hamza-chaudhry]

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

[@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.

[@nataliaalfonso2662]

Took having a pet rock to another level.

[@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.

[@icalledthevoiditwent2voicemail]

An AD walkthrough actually worth watching? How refreshing.

[@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!

[@Lifeisshortmakeitcount]

This is the definition of eccentric.

[@sophiasnider749]

*lays down on rock* "this is very comfortable"

[@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!

[@lollettealipe9363]

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

[@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

[@anastasia_fineapple]

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

[@withoutwroeirs]

In a thousand years archaeologists will ponder what happened to the pilgrims who worshipped the rock.

[@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!

[@anisanagakawa4856]

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

[@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

[@Hatamoto90]

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

[@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.

[@SHUBH1]

This guy is a bloody genius

[@aliahmia4420]

I love how he incorporate his design with nature.

[@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.

[@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.

[@cksspb815]

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

[@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

[@topnineshow]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@teamavialae]

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

[@melvinaltamirano1412]

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

[@YeamanME]

You have got to be kidding...a house built around a glacial erratic!...However, one has to love the shot with him lying on the bedrock in a hole he cut into his floor... I am sure his boulder is now much happier.....

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

A " Glacial Erratic" what? Is that an architectural term?

[@brendanbang6636]

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

[@gideonkaranja3376]

ive never seen a house well thought out, purposeful and so perfect like this one

[@mikeandroi2698]

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

[@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!❤

[@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.

[@Dikdusa]

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

[@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!!

[@legoqueen2445]

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

[@mjacobs8139]

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

[@OriginalJetForMe]

I have fallen into a KZbin rabbit hole of amazing modern houses the last few days. I’ve seen dozens. This is, by far, my favorite. I would love to meet this architect some day.

[@thedreamer6524]

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

[@attention_shopping]

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

[@majorneptunejr]

I know this sounds weird, but the boulder looks like it is being held a prisoner after being outside for millions of years.

[@alootechie]

As the boulder continues its journey, it will take house with it. Inch by inch 😊

[@patsysadowski1546]

It’s been protected and is admired. At least he didn’t just cut it up.

[@ct_writes]

I agree!

[@jlandtube]

I feel it’s protected

[@leociresi4292]

I feel it likes being protected by the architecture, it will preserve the boulder for years to come

[@kostyapu]

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

[@Heyimrama]

This is not just a house, it’s masterpiece!

[@lolo3968]

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

[@milicanikolic8382]

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

[@tyronebrown1828]

The connection to nature, the cosmos and sacred geometry... next level. LOVE the indoor handrail which aligns with the North Star. mind blown

[@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!

[@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.

[@gitanjalibabu6691]

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

[@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

[@neatwheat]

Wow, all these ideas, shapes and materials culminating in one building and it feels balanced and not overblown/chaotic! Great taste and talent to boil all that down into something that feels harmonious, organic and simple.

[@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!

[@irishqa.]

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

[@virtualyme7659]

I love this place. So many amazing elements incorporated with a innovative elegant simplicity

[@zdenkamachnyikova9014]

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

[@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.

[@CooperJeanne]

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

[@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 :)

[@jimandjudyc48]

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

[@looksbylex5202]

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

[@anastasia_fineapple]

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

[@albertosiu382]

This is absolutely incredible

[@hollykelley2369]

LOVE THE SOLAR ROOF PANELS ! BRILLIANT !

[@englishruraldoggynerd]

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

[@acerone10]

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

[@victoriasieburg3651]

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

[@David-ww2sg]

I love designs packed with subtle details and nods to nature 💚

[@rupssiranimishra4559]

Incredible, beautiful, functional and inspiring architecture

[@emildon]

This is the most beautiful house I've seen!

[@richwellbaligad9549]

i will be forever be so surprised and AMAZED with that staircase where you can see Polaris. this house is an amazing piece of architecture. not much nor less, it has the balance to it. at first i thought it was a boring concept but when he keeps going and going on explaining about the purposes, sustainability, and designs and inspirations i was never myself. i will be definitely be inspired by this house into building my future house.

[@MsSherryjh]

Wonderful. Love all the thoughtful planning that went into it.

[@belindam3797]

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

[@myszorkaaa]

This is a piece of art

[@hughkirk3946]

Wow, this is next level! Stunning design and beautifully appointed. And, designed around a rock. It doesn't get much cooler than that.

[@here5D]

I love how mindful and intentional he has been 👽💞✨