|
Quintessa Winery
Rutherford, Calif.
Walker Warner Architects
An environmentally sensitive design
combines efficiency with aesthetics
© Leslie Dowd |
For more photos click on 'photos
& drawings' above.
To see the people and products
behind this project click on 'people & products.'
|
A combination of the owners' passion
for winemaking and their respect for the environment inspired
the winery at Quintessa. The project demonstrates how smart
architectural design can efficiently facilitate the winemaking
process.
The vineyard's 280 lush acres provided
ample space for the winery, however, site selection was based
on an analysis of many criteria. The most important issue
was the need to minimize the impact of a large structure on
the existing vineyards and surrounding landscape. Almost built
into the hillside, the simple sculptural main building form
reflects the natural grade of the landscape. While the exterior
of the winery harmonizes with the countryside, the interiors
are sleek and modern.
Aside from environmental concerns, the
architects chose a site that would serve many functions. The
location of the crescent-shaped building provides direct visual
and vehicular access to the nearby public roadway. It also
allows tractors to transport grapes to the roof terrace, where
the grapes can then move through the fermentation process
by gravity. Gravity flow is a key element in the design of
Quintessa. The gravity flow of crushed grapes helps to ensure
very high quality wine by minimizing the mechanical processing
and pumping often used in typical wine production.
The environmentally conscious design
assists with heating and cooling the winery. Irrigated sod
roofs, thermal mass, and the use of night air ventilation
preclude the need for mechanical refrigeration in the bottling
and wine case storage areas. The design of the detached office
and reception building utilizes large roof overhangs and exterior
wood screens to shield the structure from the hot summer sun.
Formal name
of Project:
Quintessa Winery
Location:
Rutherford, Calif.
Gross square
footage:
Winery = 27,000 sq ft
Winery caves = 15,000 sq ft
Office Building = 4,800 sq ft
Owner:
Agustin and Valeria Huneeus
Winery Manager: Grady Sibert
www.quintessa.com
Architect:
Walker Warner Architects
835 Terry Francois Blvd., Suite B
San Francisco, CA 94107
General Phone: 415.626.6632
Direct Phone, Greg Warner: 415.318.8908
Fax: 415.626.6858
www.walker-warner.com
|
Video
