Concrete composed of local sand and aggregate was incised with a rake before setting, creating an effect both raw and worked by a human hand, imposing itself forcefully and naturally like a rock face at the foot of the Forestay cataract. The cultural image of the building is exemplified by a hanging steel canvas representing grape vines and leaves in a pixilated stylization, created by the artist Daniel Schleapfer. The interior spreads into spaces dedicated to wine. The reception with its wine-tasting bar is the central element of the concept.

Spacious pigeonholes to hold and present the bottles line the walls, their warm oak reminding us of wine barrels while at the same time serving as a sound-damping element. One is surrounded by wine. The light is soft and subdued as found in a cellar, further conserving the wine. Tasting takes place in an intimate space encouraging introspection. Half-light accompanies the visitor along their tour, punctuated by corridors and stairways evoking typically maze-like wine vaults or even the cramped nature of a vineyard path.

Exploration leads to the self-service enomatic area, to the projection theater in the basement, and to the conference space on the upper floor. From here, through the mesh of the hanging canvas, the cascade, vineyards and lake are visible- the only place in the structure from where these may be viewed.The use of local materials is an integral part of the architectural concept: raw concrete and steel, elements characteristic of the vineyards, along with oak woodwork as present in the winemaking process.

Links: - https://vimeo.com/66859567