Sitting on a dramatic, undulating site overlooking striking vineyards on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Willow Creek Vineyard’s new Cellar Door and Bistro successfully integrates contemporary design with the landscape.
Central to the client’s brief was the importance of ensuring that the vineyard remained the hero in the client experience. Carr has achieved this through the selection of raw, natural materials and the framing of expansive and discrete views. From arrival to departure, guests feel a strong connection to the landscape.
The new architectural façade consists of a simple timber and glazed box enveloped by a steel mesh overlay providing a distinct and notable entry point. Chosen for both its aesthetic and technical qualities, the steel mesh alludes strongly to agriculture and the rural landscape while disguising existing, previously unrelated, architectural forms and connecting these via a strong, consistent architectural language.
A large, steel mesh pivot door on entry is a striking element and directs guests to a 10 metre long bluestone tasting bench that pierces the façade acting as tasting bench internally and set down externally. The newly refurbished glass fronted barrel room provides sneak peaks into the workings of the winery with constant activity visible to guests.
Interior and exterior materials maintain a rustic, authentic aesthetic with the predominance of oak and stone creating a firm sense of place and an ambience particular to the surroundings.
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