MOSTRA SILLARA
The design of this Tuscan winery grew out of the meditative linearity of vineyards. Long, parallel lines draw your eyes to a spectacular point: Monte Sillara, the greatest peak of the breathtaking Appennino Parmense ridge. As you approach the winery from the west, monumental stone-clad structural members cleave the sky, echoing the jagged peaks beyond. The rich stone echoes the historic winery structures of stone and plaster while the form interprets the loggia.
The linear structure leads you through the shop, past the restaurant and event space, and out into the east-facing terrace with a panoramic view of the mountain range, the singular focal point giving way to the rhythm of the peaks and valleys. Cuts across the grain of the building create unexpected view axes, creating connections as counterpoints to the rhythm.
The counterpoints reproduce down the hillside, with the strong axis spinning off into a terraced amphitheater of spaces for dining, wine tasting, and relaxing. Meandering pathways and steps connect the outdoor leisure spaces interspersed with landscape elements and shade structures. At the base of the amphitheater, the crush pad acts as a stage, making a performance of the winemaking process. When not used for crushing grapes, it hosts musical or theatrical performances, dances, lectures, and other entertainment. These terraces are about the present, the enjoyment of the moment. They are about being with your loved ones, enjoying fine wine and food and appreciating the beauty of the world.
The winemaking and storage facilities are sunken within the earth, temperature-controlled by the thermal mass of the cool northern hillside. Offices and meeting rooms are perched on the rooftop, accessible by a monumental stair punctuating the long wall of the south facade. Ribbon glass provides panoramic views to them as well. As the morning sun burns the fog off of the valley, the guests of Podere Fedespina are taking their coffee on the panoramic terrace. Perhaps they are admiring Monte Silara or perhaps it is merely background music: a heartbeat beneath their day.
Architect
Design Draw Build