Buildings In Incredible Places

When it comes to planning law, location is everything. We love seeing buildings in amazing places, and we love working to get them built.

In honour of the creation of amazing buildings in amazing places, we therefore give you our favourite examples of buildings in absolutely jaw-dropping settings.

Taktsang Palphug Monastery

You may know this monastery by a different name – Tiger's Nest Monastery – but whatever you choose to call it the location for this building is beyond belief.

First built in 1692, the monastery can be found in the valleys of Bhutan, high above the trees, clinging to the steep sides. The building remained without incident until 1998, when a devastating fire swept the monastery and claimed the life of a monk.

 Fortunately for everyone, restoration work was carried out to the tune of 135 million ngultrum, with the support of the King of Bhutan. You can decide for yourself if you think that the money was spent well!


Tiger's Nest

Image by Douglas J. McLaughlin

Ristorante Grotta Palazzese

A restaurant built into a sea-facing cave far to the south of Italy, the Ristorante Grotta Palazzese is as beautiful as it sounds.

The hotel above, owned by the same people, is built from local stone and materials, so it is only minimally intrusive. The grotto itself, though, is an absolutely magical place to experience. The restaurant directly overlooks the sea, meaning that diners can watch the waves meet the shore below them.


Grotta Palazzese

Image by daghinho

Aescher Hotel

Aescher Hotel in Switzerland is located high in the Appenzellerland mountains, nestled up against the mountain's face. It's no Taktsang Palphug in terms of size or grandeur, but the location is just as breath-taking, and it's about as inaccessible – you certainly can't drive there, at any rate!

The hotel has a definite Swiss chalet style to it, and although we couldn't get the rights to show it here, you can check it out on Flickr.

Huacachina

This brightly coloured village can be found in Peru, in the desert surrounding Ica.

Its presence is striking, both during the day when its painted houses catch the sunlight and at night when its bright electric lights contrast jarringly with the empty desert surrounding it on all sides.

The oasis it was built around is now artificially maintained, as nearby private landlords compete for water with wells, but the village is no less beautiful for it.


Huacachina

Image by Christopher Crouzet

Bastei Bridge

The Bastei (i.e. Bastion) Bridge in Germany is one of the most striking features of one of the most striking lookout points in continental Europe.

Wedged hard into the dramatic outcrops of rock, it looks more like something one might see in an epic movie than real life.

The Bastei has been a tourist attraction for much longer than the Bastei Bridge has been around, so even if – somehow – this picture fails to stir anything in you, the area is still worth a visit for the beautiful views.


Bastei Bridge

© Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de

Looking To Build Somewhere Spectacular?

If you're looking to build somewhere outside the norm, somewhere with a lot of restrictions to work around, or if you're just interested in extending the amazing building you already have, get in touch and we'll let you know if we can help!