Czech architectural studio ORA (Original Regional Architecture) has completed the thorough refurbishment and modernization of Kolby Winery in Pouzdřany, a village in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. The project rejuvenates and unites several existing architectural elements as well as adding a new wine bottle warehouse.
The winery originally comprised a historic building with extensive cellars and a modern extension. ORA was tasked with adding an additional layer, one that incorporated a wine bottle warehouse and wine bar for visitors. A recent transformation of the entire area prohibited extensive modifications or demolitions. It was however necessary to revitalize and update the existing buildings in line with the winery’s current needs — the new owner is keen to embrace both natural winemaking practices and respect for the surrounding environment. “The primary challenge of this project was to unify the individual buildings, spaces, and moments into a cohesive whole,” says ORA.
In a key part of the transformation, ORA has enveloped the winery’s individual extensions with a striking curtain wall made using acacia wood slats. “Locally sourced acacia, renowned for its durability, was selected as the ideal wood species, ensuring the structure's longevity,” says the studio. The facade has two wood layers: an open, outer trellis provides shade and serves as a framework for climbing plants, connecting the building with nature; an inner, close-packed covering of acacia slats offers seating in places for wine tasting — the wooden benches appear to flow out from the facade.
The wine bottle warehouse is a utilitarian precast concrete structure and the project’s most significant architectural addition. Partially submerged in the ground, earth from the excavation forms a mound that visually reduces the building’s volume, embedding it in the landscape. The concrete is also painted with an earthy hue. “A double-skin vegetated facade provides shade for the structure, enhancing thermal stability,” says ORA. The studio adds that “photovoltaic panels on the roofs contribute to the winery's sustainability.”
The new wine bar has been placed in the winery’s historic building with a direct connection to the extensive brick-lined cellars below. “Rather than a traditional bar, we designed a massive tasting table in the center of the space, encouraging visitors to stand and engage in discussions while sampling wines,” says ORA. The custom-designed burgundy cement tile floor with a wave pattern provides a colorful contrast with the wine bar’s distinctive arched ceilings. “Aside from the bar’s layout modifications, the only other alteration was repainting the old building in a restrained shade with a lively texture,” says the studio.
Kolby Winery sits on the outskirts of Pouzdřany, adjacent to the Pouzdřanská steppe and the Kolby forest-steppe oak woodland. ORA designed a paved courtyard that faces the village, providing outdoor seating and a space for public events. This space was originally occupied by a large steel beam structure. The studio decided to retain the structure, cladding it with acacia slats and integrating it with the winery’s overall design.
