Bianchi Winery

Riva San Vitale, Switzerland

Located next to the historical Casa Bianchi by Mario Botta, the winery seeks to have its own identity while addressing the duality between the two pieces of architecture from. A courtyard was created to pay homage to the residence in the scenic landscape. The winemaking process was viewed as a journey to its final destination, the barrel room. A catwalk takes visitors through the process in the winery. The width and height of the barrel room is identical to those of the Casa Bianchi, drawing a parallel between the two.

• The bridge and Casa Bianchi is left untouched to preserve its historical presence and serves as the winemaker’s dwelling residence.

• The courtyard is viewed as a wine tasting area. The dimensions of the water installations and benches are derived from proportions of Casa Bianchi.

• The barrel room is the second tower that sinks below the landscape. Its circulation plays on the duality between the Casa Bianchi and the winery. Rather than descending, an elevator ascends people into the vineyards.