NAPA
(unbuilt)

The program calls for an approximately 2,000 square foot structure, with parking. The building will provide a local vintner (with a vineyard and winery located up valley, near Howell Mountain) the opportunity to sell directly to the public within the City of Napa. In addition, the building will provide offices, and facilities for private dining and tasting.

The challenge of the site, located adjacent to the Napa River and Lincoln Avenue Bridge, was to create a structure that could front a major arterial street (Lincoln Avenue) and, at the same time, respond to the organic nature of the Napa River. This was successfully achieved by the massing and siting of the building. Because of the need to minimize impacts on the existing riverbank, the building is structured as a cantilever, with its primary foundation elements located along the street-facing side of the building. The floor and curved metal roof are then cantilevered on poured-in-place concrete pylons and steel rods, so that the building is held above the riverbank. The resulting dramatic form is intended to be bold enough to stand out and attract visitors headed north on the nearby Silverado Trail.

An almost entirely glass wall takes advantage of beautiful river views while sun control is afforded by ceramic-fritted glass louvers and the overhanging roof. Upon entrance to the resulting light-filled Public Tasting Room, visitors find themselves transported from the commercial feel of Lincoln Avenue into an environment in which nature and beauty are present, and in which the play of light as the sun moves through the sky enriches the experience. Display areas complement the wine bar, and allow the vintner to tell the “story” of his wines. This environment is intended to provide an attractive and successful environment for tasting, and selling, wine. An open staircase affords access to offices for staff on a balcony above.

An elliptically shaped structure, adjacent to the Tasting Room, will provide space for private dining and tasting. This also dramatic, but smaller-scaled space, is enlivened by its connection to a screened garden. With the doors opened, guests will enjoy being entertained in a private elegant room, allowing them to flow inside and outside and enjoy the mild Napa evenings. Atop the private tasting room is the office of the owner, situated to enjoy views of the river in an efficient working environment, and connected by a bridge to staff offices above the Tasting Room.

The distinctive architecture of the building is reinforced by site elements. Trellises with curved steel pylons and stainless steel cables reflect the shapes of the building, and provide screening of the cars from the street. The overall effect is of an elegant respite, suggesting the eventual destination of travelers along the trail, and hopefully, inviting them to linger before proceeding further north.

SIZE:
2,000 SF

OWNER:
Robert Craig Wine Cellars

GENERAL CONTRACTOR:
Cello & Maudru Construction Company, Inc.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER:
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER:
Horn Engineers

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER:
Horn Engineers

CIVIL ENGINEER:
Reichers Spence & Associates

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER:
RGH Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT:
Gretchen Stranzl McCann

PLANS:
Lower Floor
Upper Floor
Site Plan

ELEVATIONS:
North & South
East & West

SECTIONS:
Section 1
Section 2