Vino Gross referenčni objekt v Zgornji Kungoti (Slovenija), grajen z IZO Profi in Profi opeko ter Tondach strešniki različnih modelov in barv — © Wienerberger d.o.o.

Modern vinery flirts with tradition

architectum edition #39

Vino Gross reference building in Zgornja Kungota (Slovenia), constructed with IZO Profi and Profi bricks, as well as Tondach roof tiles of various models and colors. — © Wienerberger d.o.o.

Vino Gross, Zgornja Kungota

in Slovenia

Products used

Porotherm 50 IZO Profi, Tondach custom-made roof tiles in different colour tones and dimensions

Modern vinery flirts with tradition

An exciting terroir inspired a young couple of winemakers to move to the village of Gorca, Slovenia. Together with architect Goran Dominko, they created a new home base, perfectly reflecting their values.

Maria and Michael Gross share a great passion: Creating extraordinary wines relying on traditional, natural methods. Their organically cultivated vineyards are located in the Slovenian region of Štajerska Slovenija, in the Haloze area near the town of Ptuj. The grapevines on the steep slopes with inclinations of up to 65% can only be tended to with painstaking manual labour and the grapes must be harvested by hand – just like it was 100 years ago. Tradition, quality, and sustainability were also imperative to the couple when setting up “Vino Gross”, their new home base for living and working.

How did the collaboration with Michael and Maria Gross come about?

Goran Dominko: Maria and Michael belong to an important Austrian winegrowing dynasty. Originally based in South Styria, Austria, the family has been cultivating vineyards in Štajerska Slovenija for many years. When we first met in September 2019 they told us about their decision to take the next big step and move to Slovenia. They had very precise ideas for their new property, up in Gorca, a settlement on the peak of the Haloze Hills opening up panoramic views across the valley below. Architect Mattias Mitteregger, also a member of the Gross family, had already made sketches and was involved in the project from the very beginning.

The building land for Vino Gross is located in the beautiful but very steep vineyards of the Haloze Hills. How did you cope with these natural conditions? What challenges did you encounter?

Goran Dominko: Initially, we decided to tear down the original structure in favour of a new building complex. Three old premises were demolished. Only a 150-year-old wine cellar was preserved for use as a storage and tasting room. What sounds like a simple task was an ambitious endeavour: A large part of the basement had been buried, and we had to remove a lot of soil before the façades were even visible. Also, the extremely uneven and hilly terrain presented us with a tricky challenge. Once the plot had been leveled, a spacious area was created for a new L-shaped residential building and two separate utility buildings on a total footprint of 8,950 sqm.

“Vino Gross” is a property in which both living and working are taking place. What were your ideas for bridging the gap between a family home and a wine-growing business?

Goran Dominko: First of all, it is important to know, that our investors work hand in hand with the local people in Haloze and in the spirit of maintaining good relations with neighbours, guests, and customers. Their public appearance as entrepreneurs attracts more and more people who come to the winery to find out about their work, taste their wines, and take a few bottles home with them. At the same time, it is essential to them that their family life is protected and will not be exposed to visitors. This symbiosis of living and working under one roof was a great architectural challenge for us.

The investors also had a clear vision of a property that reflected the very traditional architecture of the region. That surprised us a little at the beginning but also inspired us. I have to admit at this point that I am a great admirer of contemporary wine architecture, such as that found in Southern Styria with its cube shapes and large glass fronts – cutting-edge and at the same time a bit intimidating sometimes. Maria and Michael prefer cosy to cool. They opted for a warm and homelike design that makes every visitor feel like a friend who drops by for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. This attitude can be found in even the smallest details - in interior and exterior design.

What was your design strategy to implement this “cosy, traditional architecture”?

Goran Dominko: When designing traditional architecture, it is imperative to add moments to emphasize its modern interpretations and timeless expressions. That’s why we always flirt with subtle, contemporary shapes. For our modern take on the archetypal Slovenian winery, we have chosen very traditional building materials such as wood, brick, and metal, as has been common in this region for centuries.

The design of the building itself is very straightforward and classic. The white façades blend harmoniously with the wooden mullioned windows. Small details such as the ends of the roof beam visible from the outside or the small, round bull’s-eye window with the wooden star ornament above the entrance add to the unique charm of the property. This attention to detail continues inside the building: the rough and sometimes irregular structure of the interior walls convincingly pretends to be genuinely old. Just like the brick-built, rounded storage elements in which wine bottles are presented in style. However, throughout the entire process, it was vital to us that form should not take precedence over functionality.

The red gable roof with its roof ridges, dormers, and chimneys immediately catches the eye. How did this solution come about?

Goran Dominko: Yes, we are also in love with the beautiful red roof. The clients had a very clear idea of the roof colour using three different shades of red to achieve the desired patina effect. After a thorough discussion, we opted for Tondach clay roof tiles in three different shades of red. The result is spectacular and reflects the art of roofing in the old days.

You have opted for a brick construction in particularly thick dimensions. Please take us with you on your decision-making process!

Goran Dominko: To achieve the desired effect of the reinterpretation of a traditional farmhouse, the choice of material was crucial. Porotherm 50 IZO Profi block met all our requirements regarding engineering physics: A thick layer of rock wool integrated into the block shell allows heat to be stored and moisture to be regulated. Overall, the block ensures a constant equalisation of the indoor climate and saves energy. To achieve the desired curves at some corners, the block also had to be easy to work with. Of course, such a construction method requires a very precise and skilled contractor who knows how to handle this material. We were lucky enough to work with the best of the best. The result speaks for itself.