Project team
- Australian Glass Group
- Dianna Snape
St Hubert’s Winery rejuvenation showcases innovative design and high-performance glazing, achieving energy efficiency and structural integrity while harmonizing with the landscape through an ambitious underground cellar door and seamless window integration.
The rejuvenation of St Hubert’s Winery by Architect Cera Stribley demonstrates exceptional design skills and the power of high-performance glazing to create an award-winning building.
Before the ambitious design could be implemented, extensive research was required.
Architect Danny Tong explains, ‘First, we did a Section JV3 modelling on the whole building, ending up with a U-value of 3.4 and an SHGC value of 0.55,’ Danny recalls. ‘The detailed modelling enabled us to use the Thermeco system in conjunction with the one-piece, full height glazing we were aiming for.’
Having successfully achieved the desired energy efficiency, structural strength was the remaining consideration.
‘We needed to achieve the ideal ceiling height for the cellar door, which sits below ground level,’ Danny says. ‘In the end we did add structural steel to support the window system, and we were able to design around the structural post so that they would look seamless with the window mullions.’
Even with the go-ahead, realising the design was an extraordinary undertaking.
‘It was a major dig, requiring quite a few pilings to hold it all on the other side of the mountain to achieve that “Amphitheatre” look which made the building seem at one with the landscape,’ Danny notes.
Cera Stribley’s design rises from the undulating landscape in a single, sweeping curve, supported by an expansive wall of glass.
Danny explains, the glazed façade forms a defining component of the project. ‘All windows in the building are double-glazed, including the huge DGU spanning the entire width of the entry-facing wall.’
‘This glazed centrepiece – a massive 2200mm x 5000mm LowE DGU unit (10mm/16mm/10mm) running the length of the façade – helps the building melt into its surroundings while providing visitors with stunning unbroken views over the vineyard and beyond,’ Danny observes.
‘Fabricator Element Windows installed the glazing onsite, using the high-performance Thermeco thermally broken aluminium system in combination with AGG’s Insulglass LowE Plus®.’
The innovation continues within, as the interior perfectly complements the exterior’s supple curves. A large copper door punctuates the centre of two high concrete walls, cutting through the grass mound and introducing guests to the revamped cellar door. The interior’s earthy materials, including wood-formed concrete, copper, and timber panelling, are complemented by natural-edged timber wine tasting benches and brown leather stools.
The seamless fusion of striking design and high-performance materials demonstrates the potential of carefully chosen glazing to infuse this strikingly ambitious building with a magical feel.
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