Open-jointed brickwork

Vineyard Estate Gantenbein, Bearth & Deplazes. The concrete skeleton frame is filled in with bricks which are turned and have open vertical joints.

This exclusive wine estate is a family run business, situated at the edge of gently sloping vineyards. The extension to the vineyard exists out of 3 simple buildings that form a small courtyard. 2 existing single storey buildings have been completed by a new structure. The basement has 8 mushroom-columns, and forms an extension to the fermentation cellar, which is half sunk in the ground. At courtyard level is a hall where the grapes are pressed, and at the top are the rooms for tasting wines. It's a pragmatic, yet aesthetically pleasing building. The concrete skeleton frame is filled in with bricks which are turned and have open vertical joints. Together with the ETH Zurich these wall elements were assembled by industrial robots. The open-jointed brickwork gives the facade an image of stacked grapes. It provides sun shading and ensured an almost constant temperature for an optimal fermentation process. Transparent polycarbonate sheeting provides protection against wind and moisture.


Photos Ralph Feiner

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