The Protos wine house in Peñafiel, north west Spain, which is overlooked by the town’s mediaeval castle, called in architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, to redesign their bodega in order to give greater transparency to the wine making process while retaining all functionality. So impressive is the completed building it earned the architects a nomination and short listing for the prestigious 2009 RIBA Stirling Prize.
Whilst the available ground floor surface on the site is 7000 square metres, the new bodega actually consists of 20,000 square metres of floor space as the wine production itself takes place underground. Earthenware, stone and wood were used throughout the new building as Protos were very keen that traditional materials should be used and that the new building should not have an industrial look.
Above ground the bodega consists of five stone-clad arched roofs. Here the architect has achieved the desired effect of making the building appear much smaller than it actually is by dividing the roof into five smaller components. It readily blends into the traditional patchwork of the surrounding landscape which consists of fields, vineyards, farmhouses and even the local town where the same terra cotta stone is a common feature.
One of the striking features of the bodega’s design is the full-length glazed wall, made using Reynaers CW50 curtain walling system, which links the distinctive roof to the underground wine production area. The façade and a large eye-shaped opening allow maximum light penetration into the building, including the basement area, which in this case was essential for a number of reasons.
Firstly, natural daylight is needed for processing the grapes as well as for the last stage of the production process when it is vital to be able to see the natural colour of the wine
Secondly, it creates a relationship between the village and the bodega by giving the building a very open and public character – particularly appropriate as Protos is a co-operative and much of the local village has a stake in the bodega.
Finally, during the grape harvest which takes place around the beginning of October, work can continue into the night. The building’s transparency now means it can function as a giant lantern which lights up the area where the grape pickers congregate.
Reynaers’ Managing Director, Justin Hunter, commented: “This project is an excellent example of the creative freedom which Reynaers CW50 provides. It has played a key role, not only in creating a stunning new attraction for the area but in opening up a fascinating wine production process which was previously hidden from view.
“Nomination to the shortlist of the 2009 RIBA Stirling Prize is indeed an accolade and one of which the architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners should feel justifiably proud.”