PORT Architects has developed a vineyard building in Dobrzeń Mały, Poland, that stands as a testament to the renewed interest in viticulture within the country. This structure is designed to be both restrained and highly functional, efficiently integrating wine production and storage facilities. Its design draws inspiration from traditional agricultural forms found in the Opole region while incorporating modern production necessities, resulting in a cohesive and effective architectural solution.
The building's functional clarity is evident in its ability to combine storage, warehousing, and small-scale wine production within a singular volume. This architectural approach prioritizes material integrity and adaptability, exemplified by large sliding openings that transform the facade. These expansive openings allow the interior to fully connect with the surrounding vineyards, enhancing natural light, airflow, and views, thereby creating a workspace deeply integrated with its environment.
Contemporary Vineyard Design in Poland
PORT's architectural creation in Dobrzeń Mały represents a significant development in Polish viticulture, providing a modern facility that supports the entire wine-making process. The building's design carefully balances contemporary functional demands with aesthetic considerations rooted in the region's agricultural heritage. Its strategic placement among the cultivated vines ensures a seamless integration with the landscape, making it a natural extension of the vineyard itself. The use of large, flexible openings facilitates an intimate connection between the interior working spaces and the exterior environment, allowing for abundant natural light and ventilation.
The structure's commitment to efficiency and material honesty is a defining characteristic. By consolidating various operational functions—from storage to actual wine production—into one compact building, PORT has optimized workflow and minimized environmental impact. The design team has thoughtfully considered the interplay of light, air, and views, ensuring that the building not only performs its primary functions but also offers a harmonious and inspiring environment for those who work within it, reflecting a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking and its connection to the land.
The Integrated Underground Cellar
An integral part of the vineyard complex is the underground wine cellar, situated beneath the main building. This subterranean space is meticulously organized around a barrel-vaulted concrete structure, where technical systems are discreetly embedded within the side arches, maintaining the cellar's smooth and continuous internal surfaces. The entire cellar, including its walls, floor, and vaulted ceiling, is constructed from concrete, underscoring a consistent material palette. Glass doors are employed to preserve visual flow, allowing the concrete's inherent character to remain the dominant design element, while a bush-hammered concrete end wall adds textural depth, reinforcing the material's tactile presence.
The transition between the ground level and the cellar is marked by a staircase that intentionally highlights the convergence of concrete and brick construction, showcasing PORT's deliberate approach to revealing structural transitions. The design team's emphasis on exposing these material junctions serves to underscore the building's construction methods and the rich, tactile qualities of its assembly. Furthermore, the cellar's robust concrete mass not only stabilizes internal climatic conditions critical for wine maturation but also effectively reduces sound transmission, contributing to an ideal storage environment. The inherent density and rough textures of the concrete and other natural materials support the unique requirements for wine aging, enriching the sensory experience of the space through its visual and acoustic properties.