The buildings are set within a volcanic crater and arranged to compliment the surrounding land form. The large central Winery is flanked to the north-east by the Bottling Hall and Warehousing and to the south by temperature controlled Barrel Stores and Administration Block.
The public face of the complex facing the vineyard contains principal reception, retail and office components as well as staff facilities. The industrial back-of-house zones are hidden behind, with independent access from Oruarangi Road. The Winery’s form reflects the layout of the tanks within which build up in scale to the tall blending tanks at the back under a raised longitudinal clerestory roof.
A walkway system for tour parties rises to a high level viewing platform with outlook in all directions. The adjacent Amenities Block is a base for Winemakers, Cellar Staff and Lab Technicians.
A limited palette of materials in natural colours both defines and unifies the various elements. Steel frames support stepped roofs and wall is profiled steel, cedar weatherboards and louvres above robust concrete panels in crushed greywacke, which contrast with various, more refined concrete finishes.
NZIA RESENE LOCAL AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE 2004
Jury Citation: An exceptional synthesis of form and function. The finely detailed spaces using a limited palette of materials have created a contemporary building which evokes the historical romance of wine making. The inspirational quality of this building makes it a joy to explore. This is vintage 2004 architecture at its best.
NZIA RESENE NEW ZEALAND AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE 2005
Jury Citation: A strong assembly of forms and spaces are evolved from and reflect the processes and efficiencies of large scale wine production and distribution while evoking the lyricism of the traditional vineyard, sensitively nestled against the rim of a former volcanic crater.
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