Tranquil Swiss Alps Shelter Renovated into a Cozy Solar-Powered Retreat

If your idea of paradise includes sipping a cup of hot chocolate in front of the majestic Swiss Alps, then this <a href="http://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-church-renovated-into-modern-bookstore/">tranquil renovated shelter</a> is certain to fire up your happy thoughts. Located at 6,069 feet in the Herens district, what was once a shelter for livestock has been gently converted into a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sun-powered-bambu-house-sprouts-at-solar-decathlon-europe/">solar-powered family retreat</a>. As part of a collective of similar shelters interspersed throughout these awe-inspiring mountains, the upgrade, by <a href="http://www.prsarch.ch/prs/#">Personeni Raffaele Schärer Architects</a> sustainably reinvents what is no less than the rustic getaway spot of our dreams.

A simple livestock shelter has been converted into a tranquil retreat

One in a series of such shelters, this forms a part of Switzerland's national heritage

So very little was done to change the original building

But it was left free of decoration

Locally sourced sanded concrete gives it more structure and stability

The only real decoration is the resplendant view

The interior is comfortable, but decidedly minimalist.

Most of the cooking and heat is fueled by wood

But the electricity is sourced from a single solar panel at the back of the property

We love cozy retreats that require very little intervention

This is a plan of the building, which stands 6,069 feet above sea level.