Designing the BudaPrés Cider building, which was completed last year, was a great challenge for us, as we had already designed a building with a similar program on the Etyek Öreghegy (Old hill) in the past. The Etyeki Kúria was built more than ten years ago and the winery has been successfully operating since then. The building's concept is still clearly visible in the photos taken recently.
Both buildings are located among the old press houses and vineyards of Öreghegy in Etyek, which is famous for its winemaking and gastronomy. The investment program of the Etyeki Kúria stated the planning of a modern and characteristic estate centre, that has operational and visitor areas alike. The design, with its unique appearance was supposed to contribute to success of the debuting brand. The local building regulations require new facilities to match the scale of the already existing built environment and the roof must follow the traditional gable roof pattern of the old press houses. However, the modern factory building described in the program was bigger than a press house in both cases. Our studio found a solution to this problem in its architectural concept.
The elongated mass of the Etyeki Kúria building is positioned alongside the street, near an already existing, old agricultural building. The closed street front is solely interrupted by the space of the entrance bay. Despite its scale, the winery resembles the atmosphere of the old traditional press houses due to the articulation of the roof.
Another important aspect of the concept was the experience of the arrival. We planted a row of trees perpendicular to the road, on the axis of the entrance bay, the tasting area, the terrace, the vineyard and the panorama, which promise the opportunity of genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Modern materials such as raw concrete surfaces, glass gable walls, steel beams and natural wooden surfaces turn the traditional gable roof appearance into a true contemporary sight. The different ceiling heights of the visitor areas and corridors provide an unusual space experience, while the large glass surfaces positioned towards the panorama view guide the attention of the visitors. Shadow and light effects and the view of the vineyard create an inspiring environment in the interior.
