Umbria, Italy
This 125-acre farm in the Umbrian countryside of central Italy had been dormant for 40 years prior to its acquisition in 2000.
The new owners from America considered many options to make the land self-sustaining before they settled on winemaking.
Designed by Hughes Umbanhowar Architects, the Tasting Room was recently awarded with a 2020 American Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
In support of that decision, this structure is intended to house the farm equipment, but more importantly, to be a gathering place where the wine can be stored and sampled.
Potential distributors and visitors gather in the space to enjoy the fruits of the local produce.
This inwardly focused oval space has a continuous skylight at the intersection of roof and wall that creates a constantly shifting border of shadow and light.
The atmosphere is intended to be sophisticated yet simple and rustic.
Stringent local regulations restricted the architectural characteristics of any new construction.
Only a third of the exterior walls could be above grade; 50% of those exposed walls had to be clad with local stone.
In lieu of the proscribed clay roof tile, the architect chose to plant the roof in local grasses and flowerings plants and successfully appealed to the local building officials for relief.
Project: Tasting Room
Architects: Hughes Umbanhowar Architects
Client: Podere Calzone
General Contractor: ECW
Photographer: Paolo Cruciani