Overstory II
Inclusive Ecosystem
Cape Town, South Africa
UNI.XYZ Modern Winery Design Competition, 1st Place
Independent Project, Summer 2020
Collaborator: Zhicheng Xu
How can the winery act as an extension of the viticultural landscape?
A winery of the future must be thought of in terms of openness, sustainability, public engagement, and sensibility toward nature and culture. Solid boxes with a single production program are probably wineries of the past. To build in Kayamandi, a biosphere reserve with limited water resources, a new winery is charged to mitigate environmental conflicts resulted from agricultural activities.
Aerial View
South Elevation East Elevation
Site Axon: Under One Roof
Production Floor
1:50 Section: Hospitality and Production Spaces
Perspective: Arboretum Courtyard
Environmental StrategyEcological Infrastructures (E.I.) are any infrastructures at the vineyard that have ecological value. When used judiciously, these increase the functional biodiversity of the vineyard. Studies have shown that E.I. can boost grape vines’ immunity to disease and pests.
Environmental StrategyEcological Infrastructures (E.I.) are any infrastructures at the vineyard that have ecological value. When used judiciously, these increase the functional biodiversity of the vineyard. Studies have shown that E.I. can boost grape vines’ immunity to disease and pests.
1:1000 Site Plan
Zig-zag massing negotiates the terrain while creating wedge-shaped courtyards to permit the landscape to enter under the same roof as the winery.
Structural Detail: Typical Section
Morning fog rolls over the valley
Evening wine tasting under the canopy Beyond its viticultural function as water-catchment, the fog-catching mesh roof fosters the qualitative experience of the winery by regulating thermal comfort, creating a soft dappled lighting condition, and framing views toward the landscape.
Evening wine tasting under the canopy Beyond its viticultural function as water-catchment, the fog-catching mesh roof fosters the qualitative experience of the winery by regulating thermal comfort, creating a soft dappled lighting condition, and framing views toward the landscape.