KAMIN WINERY

Faculty of Architecture and Design STU in Bratislava

Project idea

The core idea of the winery design in Pezinok in west Slovakia is the experiential journey of the grape – and with it, the visitor who symbolically and physically immerses in the wine-making process.
The winery architecture is built around two dominant vertical chimneys – one housing an elevator, the other a spiral stainless steel staircase. Both connect three vertical levels of the main building, allowing the visitor to discover wine from different perspectives – from origin through production to enjoying the final product with vineyard views.
These vertical chimneys also reference the shape of stainless steel fermentation tanks, becoming symbols of technology, tradition, and experience. The entire experience is built on the principle of gravity – just as wine naturally flows downward during production, the visitor descends from the tasting area through the cellars to the rooftop terrace and back.

The visitor’s first stop is the tasting area on the ground floor, where they can sample a variety of wines and learn about the grapes and origins of each variety. From there, they descend to the basement via a stainless steel chimney and enter a glass-enclosed tasting room, surrounded on all sides by stainless steel fermentation tanks. This unique setting gives the impression that the visitor is inside one of the tanks — at the very heart of the winemaking process. Here, they discover the entire production journey, from harvesting and fermentation to bottling and export. The tour concludes with a climb to the roof of the main building, featuring a bar and an observation terrace with panoramic views of the vineyards and the surrounding Little Carpathian Mountains.

Project description

The winery consists of several horizontally extended buildings that follow the natural slope of the landscape. Verticality in the design is represented by two stainless steel chimneys, whose shape and material contrast with the horizontal massiveness of the other structures and also serve as landmarks in the landscape. The facades are made of cast pigmented concrete in a terracotta shade, referencing traditional wine-growing vessels while naturally harmonizing with the warm tones of the surrounding soil. The windows are designed as long horizontal strips, divided by slender aluminum frames, combining fixed and sliding elements to ensure natural ventilation.

The space between the main and administrative buildings forms a public multifunctional area designed for seasonal events, concerts, markets, and community gatherings. There is also a small outdoor stage here, supporting the cultural and social role of the winery within the region.
On the opposite side, behind the main building, lies a more intimate vineyard courtyard — enclosed by the accommodation area. Rows of vineyards are planted here with approximately two-meter spacing, allowing visitors to stroll, relax, or find a quiet spot. Discreetly integrated into this space is a pétanque court.
This zone also includes the restaurant terrace, oriented towards the vineyards, offering views of the surrounding nature.

Technical information

The structural system is a hybrid design — the underground levels use a modular skeletal system suited for technical facilities, while the above-ground parts combine a wall system with a skeleton framework.The winery’s material palette is restrained, timeless, and functional.
Facades: pigmented concrete (terracotta)
Chimneys: stainless steel sheet (glossy, rolled)
Staircase: spiral, stainless steel
Interior walls: white plaster
Interior floors: terrazzo in warm tones
Roof: a combination of a walkable concrete terrace and an extensive green roof
The interior design supports clear spatial orientation, material clarity, and an emphasis on light. Minimalism is not the goal here but serves as a backdrop to highlight the main products — the wine and the landscape.