Aleš Fiala embeds Gurdau Winery into sloping terrain
Among the lush fields and vineyards in Kurdějov village in the rural Czech Republic, Gurdau Winery seamlessly blends with its undulating landscape. In 2012, Gurdau Winery embarked on its journey amidst the virgin lands of Kurdějov village, where the first vines were meticulously planted upon the village’s slopes. Historically renowned for supplying fine wines to Mikulov and Brno, as well as the esteemed courts of Moravia, the winery proudly carries the village’s name, symbolizing its deep-rooted connection to the region’s rich winemaking heritage.
The winery’s architectural design undertaken by the studio Aleš Fiala thoughtfully embraces the surrounding landscape, harmoniously blending with the gentle curve of the terrain amidst a sea of hills. With this gesture, the architects sought to forge a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature. The roof of the structure is adorned with an extensive green cover, while 150 shrubs and mature trees have been strategically planted in the surrounding area, some of which even pierce through the perforated roof. As time passes, the full impact and benefits of this new green landscape on both the winery and the natural surroundings will gradually unfold, painting a picturesque tapestry for years to come.
all images by BoysPlayNice
like A Ripple in the Landscape
Constructed with reinforced concrete, the two-story building of Gurdau Winery fulfills various functions. The subterranean part hosts a cellar that serves as a hub for wine production, storage, and preservation. The ground level encompasses areas dedicated to wine tasting, seating, and sales. Additionally, two apartments are available for those seeking occasional overnight accommodations.
According to the design team, while the winery embraces a traditional in-ground setting, its architectural concept embodies a contemporary and timeless essence. The atmosphere within the premises encapsulates beauty, elegance, and absolute comfort. The choice of materials, including exposed concrete, glass, metal, as well as oak and acacia wood, creates a neat and direct aesthetic that complements the organic form of the building. Every detail is meticulously crafted, ensuring precision and quality. Thanks to expansive glazed surfaces, generous terraces, and a pitched roof, the winery establishes a direct connection with the surrounding scenery. This integration allows for a diverse range of natural experiences, capturing the ever-changing moods and seasons within the space.
the roof is adorned with an extensive green cover
Organic Architecture melds with its setting
The team at Aleš Fiala sought to seamlessly integrate the building within the landscape, creating a sense of warmth and harmonious integration with its origin. The terraces and the artificial hill of the green roof offer breathtaking views and an airy ambiance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating scenery of Kurdějov’s horizons. In the distance, the majestic presence of Pálava can be admired, while the vast plains stretch towards Austria. The interior spaces of the winery are designed to be versatile, fostering social interactions, romantic moments, as well as peaceful contemplation while savoring a glass of wine.
‘We believe that the Gurdau Winery concept will make a significant contribution to the rapidly growing and increasing wine and wine-tourist culture in the Czech Republic, and will support the growth of a new charming tradition of cultivated encounters and connections between man, wine and landscape,’ shared the architects.
emerging as a wave in the landscape
embodying sustainability & minimizing ecological impact
The Gurdau Winery exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, harmoniously blending with the natural landscape while minimizing its environmental footprint. The entire building is shrouded by a curved extensive green roof, allowing it to blend into the surroundings. As the vegetation flourishes, the winery becomes nearly invisible in distant views, preserving the visual harmony of the landscape.
The surrounding areas are thoughtfully adorned with various shrubs and mature trees, contributing to the creation of an optimal microclimate. Strategically situated amidst the vineyard, the winery minimizes the need for transportation of raw materials and workers. The production areas are ingeniously located underground, while customer areas embrace natural sunlight through a glass façade, harnessing passive energy to reduce energy consumption. To prevent overheating during scorching summer months, the winery employs thermally insulating triple glazing combined with wooden oak slats, ample roof overhang, and pergola shading with tarpaulins. These measures ensure optimal temperature regulation while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Rainwater is collected in a storage tank and used for irrigation of the vineyard.
trees pierce the circular cutouts of the roof
the gentle curve is informed by the undulating topography
a generous amount of glazing frames stunning views of the surroundings
the utmost attention is paid to precision craftsmanship and detail
project info:
name: Gurdau Winery
architects: Aleš Fiala
location: Kurdějov 300, 693 01 Kurdějov, Czech Republic
project year: 2016–2020
completion year: 2022
built-up area: 1260 sqm
gross floor area: 1141 sqm
usable floor area: 997 sqm
plot size: 43,099 sqm
photography: BoysPlayNice
statics: OK ateliér
MEP: Projekce TZB Prokeš
electrical installations and security system: CATEGORY
landscaping: Zdeněk Sendler
furniture design, interior details: Daniela Hradilová
general contractor: Navláčil stavební firma
steel constructions: OMELKA, NEJEZ stavebně zámečnické práce, Ateliér Originál Hořánek
joinery: DŘEVOSTYL [Libor Zeman], Bílek&Bílek truhlářství
wooden floors and terraces: BELEVEY [Ladislav Sedláček]
