James Bond movies are known for their spectacular locations and action sequences that push the boundaries of what is technically and humanly possible. Now the production company behind the films, EON (short for Everything or Nothing), in partnership with MGM Studios and cable car company Bergbahnen Sölden, is unveiling the first dedicated, permanent Bond building in the world—the "007 Elements" cinematic installation on top of Gaislachkogl Mountain, almost 10,000 feet up in the Austrian Alps. It opens on July 12, and the story behind its build-out is just as exciting as the end result, involving a design and construction team who themselves read like film credits.

The ice Q restaurant that featured in Spectre, designed by Johann Obermoser. Photo: Rudi Wyhlidal

This new installation will share the remote mountaintop location with a cable car top station and the transparent ice Q restaurant, both of which are featured in the latest Bond film, Spectre. All three structures were designed by award-winning Austrian architect Johann Obermoser. For the new visitor experience, Obermoser conceived a Bond villain’s lair built into the mountaintop. The only parts that will remain visible are the entrance, exit, two projecting windows and a "plaza," giving a panorama of the Alpine peaks and Tyrolean valleys.

Alpine vistas from the new cinematic installation. Photo: Christoph Nösig

Neal Callow, the London-based art director who worked on all of the Bond films starring Daniel Craig, highlights the influence of Sir Ken Adam (production designer for the early Bond films), notably the combination of circular and rectilinear forms. “We paid particular attention to textures and contrasting light and dark,” says Callow. “Using a reduced palette of concrete, steel, and glass, we marked out the various spaces using oversize stainless steel doors and suspended ceilings of perforated black steel that enhance the soundproofing. Inspired by Ken Adam, we set out to elevate the visitor-going experience to the artistic level.”