VA House

A Modern Reinterpretation of a Mountain Classic

It's soaring silhouette a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic A-frame cabin, this chalet climbs skyward in timeless mountain style. Created by architect Sebastian David Büscher as an embodiment of minimalism focused on a return to the barest essentials, the stark concrete, wood and glass retreat points skyward from a stone-backed green berm. It's a striking three-bedroom, multi-terraced temple to both brutalism and modern geometry, infused with an intentional interplay of bright light and hushed shadows.

Built across two levels holding three bedrooms, two baths and big view terraces, the A-frame’s two-story living area is located upstairs, equipped with a cozy wood-burning stove and a compartmentalized kitchen with built-in banco seating in the dining area. The primary bedroom is also upstairs, its standout feature a deep soaking tub in its oversized picture window. Two additional bedrooms are built into the concrete downstairs, each sharing a generous shower room with an infrared sauna space and both with small private terraces.

Additional features

There’s parking for two vehicles with a charging station (billed separately).

Around

This chalet is located in Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost region, and the mountainous region’s capital of Bregenz is approximately 23 minutes away. The Swiss town of St. Gallen is a 35-minute drive, and Zurich’s urban offerings are less than 1½ hours. In addition to its many mountain ranges, Vorarlberg is known for its lakes (Lake Constance its best known) and strikingly scenic valleys, as well as glaciers in the Silvretta range. Hikers, trail runners, cyclists and winter sports fanatics will find their mecca here, with trail options in the dense Bregenz Forest, the “High Ball” hike (Hohe Kugel), an ascent over the Rhine Valley with stellar views, and the Karrenseilbahn hike with its summit level restaurant and viewing platform overlooking Lake Constance, the Swiss Mountains and the Rhine Valley. Non-hikers take note: There’s a cable car that can take you up and down if you’d rather not travel on foot.

Ski areas are easily accessible nearby, including Lanterns Ski Resort (15 minutes), Brandnertal Ski Area (50 minutes), and Lech (1 hour). Boat rental is possible in Bregenz, and for a real treat, head to Therme Vals in Switzerland (1.5 hours away) to soak in the baths and admire the architectural genius of Peter Zumthor. Fans of Zumthor’s work can also visit the Kunsthaus Bregenz on the town’s Karl Tizian Platz (less than a half hour away) or visit the architect’s workshop in Hof-Andelsbuch (40 minutes away). Bregenz offers host-recommended restaurants (Café Brasserie Petrus Bregenz, Weiss Bregenz).

Known in Austria as “The City by the Lake,” Bregenz covers the eastern shores of Lake Constance and is home to Austria’s most important harbor. The third-largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Constance is a sailor’s paradise, offering winds, smooth waters, and stunning scenery. Bergenz’s landmark is St. Martin’s Tower (Martinsturm), with views over its Old Town, the upper part of the city that dates from pre-Roman times. Since 1946, Bregenz has played host to an opera and music festival that brings hundreds of thousands to the city annually.

Location

Nearest airport: Zurich, Switzerland (130km)

Best time to visit

Year round, depending on activity