Villa Maria Estate Ltd, Mangere

By Archimedia

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The buildings are set within a volcanic crater and arranged to compliment the surrounding land form. The large central Winery is flanked to the north-east by the Bottling Hall and Warehousing and to the south by temperature controlled Barrel Stores and Administration Block.

The public face of the complex facing the vineyard contains principal reception, retail and office components as well as staff facilities. The industrial back-of-house zones are hidden behind, with independent access from Oruarangi Road. The Winery’s form reflects the layout of the tanks within which build up in scale to the tall blending tanks at the back under a raised longitudinal clerestory roof.

A walkway system for tour parties rises to a high level viewing platform with outlook in all directions. The adjacent Amenities Block is a base for Winemakers, Cellar Staff and Lab Technicians.

A limited palette of materials in natural colours both defines and unifies the various elements. Steel frames support stepped roofs and wall is profiled steel, cedar weatherboards and louvres above robust concrete panels in crushed greywacke, which contrast with various, more refined concrete finishes.

NZIA RESENE LOCAL AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE 2004
Jury Citation: An exceptional synthesis of form and function. The finely detailed spaces using a limited palette of materials have created a contemporary building which evokes the historical romance of wine making. The inspirational quality of this building makes it a joy to explore. This is vintage 2004 architecture at its best.

NZIA RESENE NEW ZEALAND AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE 2005
Jury Citation: A strong assembly of forms and spaces are evolved from and reflect the processes and efficiencies of large scale wine production and distribution while evoking the lyricism of the traditional vineyard, sensitively nestled against the rim of a former volcanic crater.

Mangere:  2004

Project Team: Hamish Cameron

Photography: Archimedia

Press & Awards

  • NZIA New Zealand Architecture Award 2005
  • NZIA Local Award for Architecture 2004

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Villa Maria Estate Ltd, Mangere

About the
Professional

Archimedia is a New Zealand architecture practice with NZRAB and Green Star accredited staff, offering design services in the disciplines of architecture, interiors and ecology.

Archimedia uses the word “ecology” to extend the concept of sustainability to urban design and master planning and integrates this holistic strategy into every project.

Archimedia prioritises client project requirements, functionality, operational efficiency, feasibility, and programme. Once these fundamentals are soundly established, Archimedia pursues a sculptural architecture expressive of individual or collective identity.

Identity

  • Archimedia practices architecture as “material identity” – a crafted expression of individual or collective “identity” – embodying a synthesis of people, place and time.
  • Archimedia investigates “identity” with each client and endows buildings with a perceptible meaning that expresses this “identity” – the philosophical parti for all Archimedia projects.
  • Archimedia respects all cultures and their protocols and the fundamental connectedness of all humanity.

Human Experience

  • Archimedia is ambitious for the betterment of both humankind and the environment.
  • Archimedia approachs design with the intent that human beings register an “experience” of architecture which uplifts their daily existence.

Environment

  • Archimedia strives for “beauty”, the exceptional and the inspirational in each and every commission, irrespective of budget.
  • Archimedia believes in tectonics – a poetic configuration of land, space and structure.
  • Archimedia believes in positive intervention – sustainability that enhances eco-systems.

Process

  • Archimedia believes that the very best process and the very best technology are critical contributors in our quest for the exceptional.
  • Archimedia invests resources to create a better design solution.

Collaboration

  • Archimedia believes in collaboration between equals and the power of teamwork.
  • Archimedia's staff are consultative by nature and use processes that encourage user decision making wherever possible.
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