WINERY POD CHLUMEM

A winery set in the landscape of Blšanský Chlum conceived as a modern chapel. Built on the gravitational principle of winemaking, with an atrium for social life and architecture that pays homage to both history and the uniqueness of the local terroir.

Area 1300 m²
Project year: 2013 (Bachelor’s thesis by Jan)

Principal architect Jan Kurz

Completion year: –

Area 1300 m²
Project year: 2013 (Bachelor’s thesis by Jan)
Principal architect Jan Kurz
Completion year: –

Lubomír Bilík, who for many years led the Salabka Winery in Prague, decided to join forces with an investor to revive an abandoned vineyard at the foot of Blšanský Chlum, which is a protected natural monument. Vineyards in this region were originally established by Emperor Charles IV, and the area boasts a unique microclimate. The wines grow on volcanic basalt soil rich in minerals, which gives the wine its distinctive character. The winery manages roughly 10 hectares of vineyards, with the goal of producing wine as naturally as possible. The designed building includes production facilities, wine cellars, a showroom, a tasting room, and an apartment for the estate manager. A key feature of the design is the inner atrium, intended not only for social gatherings but also as an organizing element that visually and functionally connects all the spaces; for instance, the manager can see directly into the production area from his apartment.

This interconnectedness determines the form of the building. Views toward the landscape are framed by oval openings, which may resemble the bubbles formed during fermentation. The winery is designed according to the principle of gravity winemaking, meaning that the entire production process – from grape harvest, through initial processing, to must transfer into fermentation tanks – relies on the natural downward movement of materials, without the use of pumps. This approach allows for gentler handling of the grapes and a more ecological operation. A fundamental aspect of the concept was to pay symbolic tribute to the local landscape, which is rich in history and distinct in character. The goal was to place within it an extraordinary, solitary and dominant building. One that would, in its own way, stand as a modern chapel.

Materials

Concrete  •  Rammed earth  •  Glass

Materials

• Concrete
• Rammed earth
• Glass

All work © KURZ architects