Professional Introduction
Nestled within a rocky outcrop along the French section of the Santiago de Compostela route, the Suchaillou shelter blends minimalist architecture with local geological harmony. This discreet structure offers a quiet haven for pilgrims, echoing the surrounding landscape and welcoming those befriended by the Suchaillou stone shelter.
Integration with Nature
Built using dry-stone construction and phonolite corbelling, the shelter reflects traditional techniques rooted in the region. Positioned slightly off the main path, the Suchaillou stone shelter harmoniously disappears into the natural terrain.
Interior Features and Acoustic Element
Designed to accommodate two individuals, the Suchaillou stone shelter includes integrated box seats for rest and storage. At the rear, a phonolite gong—an interactive acoustic sculpture by Lucie Delmas—invites auditory engagement. Overhead, a shot-blasted glass oculus provides soft daylight and framed sky views.
Outdoor Enhancements
Outside, stone benches are built into retaining walls, alongside a locally-sourced stone fountain by Lucie Delmas. A wave-patterned cobbled path, designed by Pierre Sèche Haute-Loire, guides visitors to an orientation table, offering panoramic insights into the landscape near the Suchaillou stone shelter.
Community Involvement and Funding
The shelter’s realization involved regional artisans, students from Yssingeaux Agricultural College, and municipal representatives. Stone from the Pertuis quarry was used, with the project benefiting from European support through the LEADER program and the European Regional Development Fund. The Suchaillou stone shelter is a testament to this collective effort.
Part of a Larger Artistic Route
Suchaillou is one of many installations within Fenêtres sur le paysage, an art trail coordinated by Derrière le Hublot in collaboration with the French Agency of the Santiago de Compostela Paths, and it is quite an integral part of the Suchaillou stone shelter’s larger cultural context.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Suchaillou |
| Location | Santiago de Compostela route – France |
| Materials | Phonolite stone, dry-stone technique |
| Capacity | Two people |
| Key Features | Built-in seating, acoustic gong, oculus, fountain, orientation table |
| Design Partners | Constance Guisset Studio, Derrière le Hublot, Pierre Sèche Haute-Loire, Lucie Delmas |
| Community Involvement | Artisans, students, local representatives |
| Funding | LEADER, European Regional Development Fund |
| Photography | Vincent Leroux |
