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The sustainability and durability of acacia wood characterizes this thorough renovation of a historic winery in southern Moravia
The Kolby Winery in Pouzdřany, Czechia, occupies a historic building with extensive cellars, which were further extended in 2016. The latest project, the work of architects Jan Veisser, Jan Hora, and Barbora Hora from ORA (Original Regional Architecture), involved the completion and unification of the complex’s various sections.
The new owners have redefined the philosophy of the winery to embrace natural practices and respect the surrounding landscape, with this shift reflected in the modernization of the structures.
The architects from ORA had the job of adding a new layer to the existing complex to provide storage space for wine bottles and a wine bar for visitors. Their main challenge, therefore, involved unifying and creating a coherence between the different spaces. Since it wasn’t possible to make structural modifications or demolish the existing buildings, the architects needed to revitalize and create connections between them.
They achieved this by wrapping the complex in a continuous external façade made of acacia wood slats. The façade has two layers: an external trellis, which supports climbing plants, and an internal lattice with smaller gaps, some sections of which appear to slide down to create bench seating. Where these two elements intersect, there are shady spaces where visitors can sit and taste the wines.
Acacia, a locally sourced wood known for its durability, was chosen to give the structure longevity.
A warehouse for storing bottled wine was the most significant architectural addition. Partially underground, this prefabricated concrete building has had its visual volume reduced with the excavated soil used to create mounds at different points. The concrete was then given an earthy tone.
Two layers of external plantings shades the structure and improves its thermal stability. Finally, photovoltaic panels on the roof contribute to the sustainability of the winery.
The wine bar occupies the historic section of the complex and has direct access to the extensive cellars below. The space is organized around a large tasting table, designed to encourage visitors to stand and chat while tasting the wines. Designed specifically for the room, the floor has white and burgundy concrete tiles that form a wave pattern.
Kolby Winery is located on the outskirts of Pouzdřany, near the Pouzdřanská steppe. A large paved courtyard, created as part of the project, faces the village. The space is used by the wine bar and to host public events. A large existing steel canopy structure was integrated into the new design and clad with acacia slats, providing another shady place for visitors.
>>> Read about the Gurdau Winery, designed by Aleš Fiala in the Czechia
