Elgin, Arizona, USA
Thamarit “Tommy” Suchart and Patricia Szu-Ping Chen Suchart of Chen + Suchart Studio have completed a minimalist, sculptural structure, a monument-like series of 20-foot-tall steel-clad monoliths that lead the eye toward the nearby Mustang Mountains that house the 3,400-square-foot tasting room of Los Milics Winery.
As the architects claim, the sculptural structure serves as a testament to the region’s growing identity as a premier wine destination, harmonizing with the breathtaking natural landscape and enhancing the wine-tasting experience.
Its assemblage evokes comparisons to a contemporary Stonehenge, resembling an abstract art installation that invites various interpretations and reactions.
“Its location within this unspoiled landscape served as a constant reminder of our duty to design something that enhances rather than detracts from its surroundings,” says Chen + Suchart Studio.
“In our collaborative process, one typically initiates a concept for the other to refine. Initially, the design leaned too heavily towards a conventional building. Through iterative dialogue, we reimagined the structure as an abstract form harmonising with the natural terrain.”
The tasting room includes a long bar where guests can sample and buy Los Milics’ dozen or so wines, open space and glass-enclosed nooks for seating, a private tasting room and a kitchen that serves up tapas-style plates and charcuterie offerings.
The interio space is simple, keeping the focus on the setting by using dark tones, repeating the weathered steel indoors and adding warmth with walnut details.
Ground concrete flooring flows out to a covered patio that frames the Biscuit, accessible from inside via a 40-foot telescoping glass wall.
Project: Los Milics Winery Tasting Room
Architects: Chen + Suchart Studio
Lead Architects: Patricia Szu-Ping Chen Suchart and Thamarit Suchart
Developer: Mills Design Group
Client: Los Milics Winery
Photographers: Dan Ryan
