The Tokaj-Hegyalja district is located in Hungary and protected by Unesco for its centuries-old winemaking tradition. It comprises hilly landscapes with picturesque river valleys that are home exclusively to varieties of white wine. The Tokaj sweet wine is particularly renowned. According to the designers of Bord Architectural Studio, the landscape is untouchable. The task of designing architecture for a winery that is both ostentatious and conducive to identity formation seems paradoxical in this place. The studio opted for a concise form that leaves the ground untouched as far as possible. Two slightly slanted shells give observers the impression of floating above the vineyard. To harmonise the building with the natural environment despite its signal effect, the rooftops are covered with extensive greening. A restaurant and bar are located inside the shells. These spaces, as well as the roof terraces, afford visitors panoramic views of the impressive landscape. Similar to traditional wineries, the majority of the facility, including the areas used for production purposes, is located below the ground. Zones for fermentation are situated directly beneath the shells and are also arranged in a circular pattern. In their centre, dry wine varieties mature in oak casks. Modern steel tanks in the outer rings are used for light or sparkling wines.
The impression of floating is reinforced by a strip of glazing that appears to lift the shells from the ground while introducing daylight into the wine cellar. The risk of gale-force winds and ground motion required particularly flexible connections between the shells and the spaces below grade in order to prevent damage to the glazing. The shells appear solid – in fact, they comprise veiled steel constructions. Loads are transmitted via bundled diagonal steel columns into the rigid concrete structure beneath the ground. In extreme cases, the steel construction can shift by up to 32 millimetres. The round shell shapes measure 36 metres in diameter and feature a web of steel sections spanning between the circular main beams. Concrete envelops these structures, on their top partially covered by roof greening, while segments were kept free of green for use as terraces. The roof edge is drawn up and encloses protected open spaces without interrupting the coherent form.
The fermentation zone is bordered by a subterranean corridor that also serves as the backbone of the wine production sequence. From the delivery of grapes to preparing filled bottles for shipping, the orthogonal structure of production comprises spaces for processing, filling, and labelling. Interior courtyards, skylights, and apertures supply these areas with daylight. The main entrance of the winery is located on the side that also features the loading dock. A funnel-shaped incision with a meandering glass facade creates a pleasant atmosphere welcoming to visitors. Once they venture underground, past the lobby and the exhibition space, they can reach the gastronomic area above the vineyard.
