Abbott Claim Winery

Beck Family Estates’ first winery built outside of South Africa features a living roof, semi-circular barrel cellar, and an underground wine library lit from an oculus above. Large canopies provide weather protection and screening for the crush pad and mobile bottling line. Throughout the building, the owner challenged the design team to conceal as much of the utility piping as possible (including fire sprinklers, electrical conduit and glycol lines). The innovative facade is made of airfoil-shaped tilt-up panels covered in weathered steel. Slot windows between these panels, skylights, and clearstory glazing all infuse the interior with natural light. The result is a winery that is deeply integrated with its site, designed for optimal performance in both facilitating the winemaking process and creating singular guest experiences.