The Flowers Vineyard & Vineyard was looking for a place where they could display their wines, in an environment that put contact with nature first. The approach of the leading architectural practice, Walker Warner Architects, is to let nature dominate, using architecture to frame the various experiences
Celebration of wine, food and nature. Revisitation of a Wine Company of the 70s
In Healdsburg, California, in the heart of the Russian River Valley, an old winery is being renovated, preserving its rustic charm and authentic connection with nature, by Walker Warner Architects, Maca Huneeus Design, and Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects
The existing buildings, located in a redwood grove were disconnected from the rich landscape in which they stood. A first step was to design the context, with new paths leading from the parking area to the visitor centre. The house is dyed black and inspired by the shade of the redwood grove all around
Following a sustainable line, most of the original structures were recycled, inserting low-cost, high-impact passive energy strategies that included maximum use of daylight through large windows and skylights, and shade, thanks to the insertion of wooden slats outside
The addition of a pop-up element at the end of the house is discreetly hidden in the landscape, in harmony with the topography of the land, which preserves the vernacular forms but at the same time provides a solution of continuity to the panoramic views and gardens available from the hill
Guests can enjoy various intimate meeting areas, to taste the wines, both inside and outside. The gardens are framed by renovated rammed earth walls and are aimed at celebrating nature, as well as being an ideal place to taste wine
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