Based on reports from The Drinks Business, Bodegas Faustino has unveiled a €15 million winery project designed by Foster + Partners, featuring innovative sustainable technologies and a visitor center that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, Spain.
Design and Sustainable Features
The new winery's design, crafted by Foster + Partners, showcases a commitment to sustainability and innovation. A sweeping glass roof incorporates photovoltaic technologies that produce nearly six times the energy consumed by the building, with excess power diverted to other facilities on the site. The structure features anti-funicular timber arches sourced from local forests, maximizing structural performance while minimizing material use. Natural building materials contribute to a biophilic environment, enhancing well-being for visitors and employees. The design also includes large overhangs on all sides to reduce heat gain, while a central skylight and carefully integrated glazed facades bring natural light into interior spaces, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
Construction Challenges
Construction of the new winery faced significant challenges due to the Russia-Ukraine war, which caused a global increase in material costs, particularly wood. This unforeseen issue led to design modifications aimed at cost optimization, such as using shorter wood pieces to reduce transportation expenses and carbon emissions. Despite these obstacles, the project team successfully adapted, maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and innovation throughout the six-year development process.
Vineyard Integration
The new winery design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding vineyard landscape, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature. A newly built street to the north of the site serves as the main entrance, allowing visitors to park under lightweight timber canopies. From there, landscaped pathways guide guests through mature vineyards towards the visitor center, offering an immersive experience that connects wine enthusiasts with the terroir. This thoughtful integration not only enhances the visitor experience but also reflects Faustino's commitment to showcasing the intimate relationship between their wines and the land from which they originate.
Visitor Center Benefits
The new visitor center offers a unique, immersive experience for wine enthusiasts and tourists alike. Its vaulted, column-free interior provides a spacious and flexible environment for various events and activities, while offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Visitors can enjoy educational tours that showcase the wine-making process, from grape to bottle, with elevated galleries providing insights into different production stages. The center's design emphasizes sustainability, allowing guests to appreciate eco-friendly practices in wine production while contributing to the local economy by attracting both national and international tourism to the Oyón area.
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