A frame bringing the landscape closer. Alton Wines by GO'C
13/01/2022.
[Walla Walla] USA
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
Focusing on the views of the surroundings, the architecture designed by GO'C studio in Walla Walla acts as a frame that brings the landscape closer to the user's immediate experience.
Located in the largest city and county seat of Walla Walla County, Washington, the setting where the Alton Wines project is located has experienced an expansion in its wine industry in recent decades, culminating in the area being named "Best Wine Region (2020)."
Located in the largest city and county seat of Walla Walla County, Washington, the setting where the Alton Wines project is located has experienced an expansion in its wine industry in recent decades, culminating in the area being named "Best Wine Region (2020)."
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Alton Wines by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Site plan. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Site plan diagram. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Site plan and section. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Main floor plan. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Roof plan. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Schematic floor plan. Alton Wines by GO'C.
North and south elevation. Alton Wines by GO'C.
East and west elevation. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Elevation sketches. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Cross section. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Cross section. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Longitudinal section. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Section diagrams. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Elevation - option 1. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Elevation - option 2. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Elevation - option 3. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Elevation north - option 1. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Elevation north - option 2. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Elevation south - option 1. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Elevation south - option 2. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Site plan sketches. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Concept sketches. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Concept sketch - arrival. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Concept sketch - arbor walkway. Alton Wines by GO'C.
Previous state. Alton Wines by GO'C.
The equipment project by GO'C for Alton Wines is located on a piece of land with particular characteristics that did not allow it to be cultivated. Thanks to the client's partnership with the farmer and the owner of the land, this special project was born.
The result has been guided by a design that is sensitive to the natural landscape and responds to the importance of the farmland where it is inserted. An important part of this project is the dramatic approach that captures and accentuates the view of the Blue Mountains as seen through the terraces and openings of the building.
The result has been guided by a design that is sensitive to the natural landscape and responds to the importance of the farmland where it is inserted. An important part of this project is the dramatic approach that captures and accentuates the view of the Blue Mountains as seen through the terraces and openings of the building.
Description of project by GO'C
Inhabiting a wave-like landform just outside Walla Walla, Alton Wines nestles itself into an existing cove that is formed by the surrounding vineyards. The site is an undeveloped parcel deemed ‘unfarmable’ due to the soil makeup and location in the crook of the vineyards. The client partnered with the farmer and owner of the land and both had been waiting for the right opportunity to build something special. A design that is sensitive to the natural landscape and responsive to the farmland was welcomed.
Upon arrival visitors to the winery are guided due south, on axis with the arbor, leading to the Tasting Room and Wine Garden which orient east/west across the site. This dramatic approach captures and accentuates the view of the Blue Mountains seen through the terrace between the two main wings of the building. The site offers stunning views to the south which are maximized as the building opens up to the fields beyond. An open, airy, and inviting Tasting Room where guests would want to linger was a high priority, with lots of flexibility for programming and events. Opening up to both the covered outdoor Wine Garden and a large raised terrace to the south increases the usable space and gives guests options to tailor the winery experience to their needs.
A rigorous structural grid and framed openings are used throughout the building to organise interior and exterior spaces and allow for an efficient, cost effective construction process. Starting at the approach to the winery, steel bays form an arbor which will be planted with grape vines, creating much needed shade on summer days. This arbor structure passes through the building and forms the frame for the shade awning on the south terrace outside the Tasting Room.
The structure is capped by a sheltering roof which is pierced by three elements; an anchoring chimney stack, an extruded skylight, and a carved roof opening at the entry. These elements help to anchor the west end of the space, funnel natural light deep into the plan of the building, and frame sky views throughout the seasons.
More information
Architects
GO'C.
Project team
Gentry / O’Carroll, Ashley Skidmore, Yuchen Qiu.
Collaborators
Structural engineering.- J Welch Engineering. Civil engineering.- Knutzen Engineering.
Client
Builder
Dates
2021.
Location
Walla Walla, Washington, United States.
Photography
Jon Gentry, Aimée O'Carroll. GO’C
Founded in the Pacific Northwest and practicing internationally, GO'C is an award-winning architecture studio inspired by the interplay of rational design and artistic expression. From residential to commercial and public spaces, they thrive in the challenges of site-specific work and find opportunities in constraint.
Founding Partner Jon Gentry grew up in North Carolina, developing an eye for utilitarian structures and an impulse to challenge norms.
Founding Partner Aimée O’Carroll grew up in the heart of London and comes from a family of architects that reaches back three generations.
Together, their studio is driven by the concepts of practicality and imagination. When thoughtful analysis meets a spirit of exploration, they know they’re in their element. Their process is as rigorous as it is daring; it takes both knowledge and curiosity to turn a brave idea into something real. Building a foundation under "what if" is where they like to be; the enduring desire behind everything they create is to push the limits of what's possible—in service to clients, communities, cultures, and landscapes.
Founding Partner Jon Gentry grew up in North Carolina, developing an eye for utilitarian structures and an impulse to challenge norms.
Founding Partner Aimée O’Carroll grew up in the heart of London and comes from a family of architects that reaches back three generations.
Together, their studio is driven by the concepts of practicality and imagination. When thoughtful analysis meets a spirit of exploration, they know they’re in their element. Their process is as rigorous as it is daring; it takes both knowledge and curiosity to turn a brave idea into something real. Building a foundation under "what if" is where they like to be; the enduring desire behind everything they create is to push the limits of what's possible—in service to clients, communities, cultures, and landscapes.
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