Driven primarily by functionality, the 20,000-square-foot production winery is designed to minimize the visual impact of the large structure. We deconstructed the aperture’s traditional hexagonal shape into separate elements, manipulating and reassembling them into connected structures with rooflines canted in multiple directions. Sheathing the buildings in a darkened metal that approximates the effect of aged corten steel further reduces the sense of scale, while providing a connection to the rustic surroundings.

Set a small distance from the production winery, the smaller hospitality building is yet another manipulation of the elements of an aperture - defined by light, views and transparent indoor/outdoor spaces. We oriented the building to capture the views of the Sonoma Mountains and embrace the ocean breezes from the west, lifting the building pad 32 inches to raise the visual perspective. Here, the elements of the aperture surround a central hospitality area defined by a massive hexagonal oculus, and flanked by private, glass-walled tasting rooms with 180-degree views of vineyards and mountains.

The building’s dark exterior yields to a bright white interior lined with large museum-quality prints of the father’s photographs. Illuminated by the central oculus, the white interiors form an airy, gallery-like space.