Located in the Czech Republic’s Monrovia countryside, the design of the Lahofer Winery is deeply rooted in nature with the building unfolding into the native terrain, immersing itself into the surrounding vine rows. Designed by Chybik + Kristof Architects & Urban Designers, the winery comprises three distinct interconnected structures – a wine-making facility, winery administrative base, and a visitor centre with tasting room. Here, the visitor experience is prioritized, notably by allocating the undulating roof as a public amphitheatre and open space.
Emulating the archetypal wine cellar of the region, the interior vault of the winery rests on a grid of arched beams, with the interior spaces defined by the exposed rib construction of the arches. Each reinforced concrete arch is individually designed to fit a specific angle of the ceiling, while the distance between the arches is determined by that between vine rows. Each module rises from a vine row and runs through the space, achieving a perfect visual symmetry from interior to exterior.
Enclosed in glass and facing south, the visitor centre draws abundant light as the windows act as concealed separation from the vine rows.
The visitor centre invites visitors to fully experience its produce in the barrique cellar made of concrete, glass and wood cladding. A large-scale mural painting by Czech contemporary artist Patrik Habl covers the entire ceiling. Its irregular and sparse strokes, ranging from earthy reds and blacks to terroir-reminiscent browns and beiges, echo the variations of the soil and its weightlessness, leaving timeless markings on the walls.
The two production halls are of two heights, mirroring their specific operations. The first lower hall centralizes operations, including wine-making production and employee facilities. The second hall allows for operations that require lower temperatures, such as the wine press, the cellar and wine store. The varying heights of interior overall emulate the terrain, allowing for corresponding exterior courtyards with sweeping views of the landscape.
