The Parks Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

The project leader, Michael Cook, articulated his vision for the project:

"Upon being retained by Bouchaine Vineyards, I engaged with the owners to understand their vision for the new Visitor Center. I quickly came to realize that what they were looking for was a "WOW factor". One that would provide each visitor with an unforgettable experience, along with incredible views overlooking the surrounding vineyards. We used the awe-inspiring vistas to our advantage and perfectly oriented the construction of the most unique and interesting building that I have ever worked on!"

 

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The renovation and expansion at Bouchaine Vineyards began at a time when winery improvements had become much more difficult in Napa Valley. Acknowledging the changing environment for approvals, the owners of Bouchaine Vineyards, Gerret and Tatiana Copeland, developed a well thought-out process to ensure support from Bouchaine's neighbors and Napa County. As a result, the project design led by Michael Cook and his consulting team, including architect Kevin O'Malley of O'Malley, Wilson, & Westphal, was approved by the County at its first Planning Commission meeting (an unheard-of tale in the 2000's in Napa Valley).

Sitting high atop a hill overlooking the historical existing winery building, the new 5,000 square foot Visitor Center is designed in a semi-circle, reminiscent of an open embrace. The unusual shape of the new building maximizes the spectacular views of the vineyards and surrounding hills, and in the distance frames the San Francisco Bay. As the building was designed to have no straight or parallel lines, the radius configuration welcomes visitors to an unparalleled experience when they enter the building. The style of the new Visitor Center is modern in form and function and features crisp lines, structural steel with steel-framed exterior, redwood siding, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The new facade matches the existing buildings which are clad in wood milled from historic redwood tanks. Continuing Bouchaine's commitment to preservation, the Copelands repurposed 80-year-old redwood planks from Martini & Prati wine tanks to be made into the vertical shade fins on the new building. The floor-to-ceiling redwood fins, 12" deep and spaced 3 feet apart, break up the massive glass facade of the building. The fins were conceived to help control heating and cooling of the structure, by keeping the interior shaded during the summer. The soaring roof was developed to address the "WOW factor" the owners wanted.
Cut from one tree, the striking Tasting Room bar is made from reclaimed solid cypress slabs and provides an inviting view of the large terrace with breathtaking views just beyond. At one end of the building, the Copeland Room features a massive see-through fireplace built with stone from a local Napa Valley quarry, with a large mantle made from reclaimed timbers. The room provides seating for up to 80 people, easily accommodating large groups or intimate gatherings. Past the Copeland Room is a stunning 750 square foot sleek and contemporary kitchen with an open-look design created by Frank M? 1/4 ller, of M? 1/4 ller Design Associates, Inc. The world-class kitchen features two Molteni ranges, a combi oven, custom double hoods with a Streivor air system and an Ansel fire suppression system, two working stations, refrigerated drawers, a dessert station, a large plating station, decorative lighting, two large Euro-Cave Professional Show Cave Wine Cellars, and Cambria Stone countertops throughout.

The overall project, constructed by Wright Contracting, also includes a renovation of the existing 3,000 square foot tasting room building, a 22,000 square foot expansion of the production facilities, a new 2,100 square foot terrace, and ample parking space, including handicap and clean air vehicle parking. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place for a relaxed winetasting, surrounded by two soothing water features, landscaped gardens, comfortable sofas and armchairs, and the warm glow of firepits.

Paintings that were purchased by Gerret and Tatiana Copeland over the past decade now hang throughout the new building, including works by well-known Napa artist Lowell Herrero. Influenced by the owners' love of life, art, wine and music, embossed in the floor by the entrance to the new Visitor Center are the words "WINE MAKES YOU HAPPY".

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