An Expression of Place and Purpose – Stoney Rise Cellar Door by Cumulus Studio

Inspired by an immersive and unique wine experience, Stoney Rise Cellar Door sees the proposal of a deeply connected cellar door set amongst the vines of its existing vineyard. Cumulus Studios take reference from the rural surrounds in framing and transitioning the shelter space as an expression of place and purpose.

With the increase in interest in wine landscape within Tasmania, the emerging of unique experiences that allow an immersion within the making process is a natural and invited evolution for growers. Replacing the original cellar door on site, Stoney Rise Wine sees the creation of a purpose-built structure that invites a conversation with the makers, growers and consumers. Nestled into the Tamar Valley, the cellar door is located in Gravelly Beach. In its contextually inspired approach, the result sees notable influences taken from the natural, raw and textural, with a series of geometric shards coming out of the terrain, inviting guests inward. Cumulus Studio utilise a considered methodology to ensure the tactile proposal sits comfortably within its landscape and is robust through a rural resilience.

Through sequence and journey, elements grow, expand and contract, as guests both enter and exit the form, as a reminder of the building being a shelter amongst its natural setting.

Built by George Eustace Builders, Stoney Rise Cellar Door is the familiar story of a family of winemakers who live and work on the same property, who over time have needed to expand on their offering to match demand. The proposal is intended to be small enough to be able to be staffed by one person at any one time, while accommodating and taking guests through the varied offerings. The space also needed to be able to expand and contract, to absorb hospitality and social events throughout the year. Resultingly, creating a place that is both open and inviting, while also being warm and inviting, requires a keen attention to detail. The combined use of burgundy tones, deep blues and earthy tones interact with the light and change throughout the day, inspired by the natural and surrounding palette of vegetation, and cementing the structure in place.

Extending on from the focus on experience, tactility and texture feature highly, with a connection to the dark and cooler weather in the Tasmanian climate, expressed through materiality. In line with its scale, small and controlled architectural gestures show an interesting formal interplay with the landscape. Through sequence and journey, elements grow, expand and contract, as guests both enter and exit the form, as a reminder of the building being a shelter amongst its natural setting. The curation of blade walls, edges and plinths becomes its own moving dance, appearing dynamic from each angle, while from the interior, openings frame views and vistas and control solar heat gain and offer protection from prevailing wind.

The combined use of burgundy tones, deep blues and earthy tones interact with the light and change throughout the day, inspired by the natural and surrounding palette of vegetation, and cementing the structure in place.

Stoney Rise Cellar Door is inspired by its setting, while also making an effort to sit considerately amongst it, and through a playful engagement with the site, Cumulus Studio have created a truly unique immersion.