Three vineyards, only ten minutes by tractor, are separated by space and time, aspect and altitude and slope and soil, in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

The project involved the design of a new cellar door, refurbishment of an existing restaurant and the addition of a new outdoor terrace. The design becomes an experience of journey, arrival, approach and destination, curating an experience rich in the artefacts of wine making. The design process was innovative, as constraints led to clever and creative solutions, including the prefabrication of elements in an offsite workshop,

From yellowtrace sketches to high quality renders as well as ‘live’ concepting client work sessions and engagement with local craftsmen, the vision of an uncompromised solution was realised. The design is sensitive to the landscape and reflects the drama of the regional terroir in its aspect, layout and detailing.

The story of local terroir is told through the architecture; existing stone from the site is used throughout, as courtyard paving, internal dividing walls and external retaining walls and back down into the vineyard itself, creating a stone and concrete datum.

The restaurant and cellar door are both welcoming social platforms in enjoyment and the discovery of wine as the architecture responds to the sensorial experience of the site, food and wines.

Ten Minutes by Tractor is a poetic impression of the landscape and includes a careful selection and orientation of coloured, reflective and lustrous surfaces that highlight seasonal changes. The project is an architectural response to observation and action – deriving a building from its physical and social context.

Furniture: Damien Wright Studios, Stellar Works, Living Edge, District Furniture. Lighting: Vintage Hans-agne Jakobsson, Sammode Studio, Monodoluce. Finishes: Lapege, Architectural Handmade Bricks (AHB), Concrete Collective, Winspear Group. Fittings & Fixtures: Abey, Reece, Caroma.

Photography: Rory Gardiner