Two Lads Winery
Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, Michigan
The two story, 11,000 square foot building engages the vineyard landscape and boldly announces its presence as an iconic element perched along a hilltop on Old Mission Peninsula. The entry passage of stone elements refers to the age of stone hedges and barriers that surrounded vineyards of the past. The two main shed roofs designs: one housing production, the other wine tasting and celebration, form a duality consistent with the winery nameplate. The tasting room grabs the attention with awe inspired views of East Grand Traverse Bay from one direction, and from the other, provides a window into the intricate inner workings of the winery. The exposed structure compliments the interior and provides a nexus for pulling all of the finishes into a harmonic composition that is both pleasant to view and yet, not overpowering. The Building's design provides a integrated juxtaposition of the daily requirements of a winery, allowing the public to engage the structure as a form of art as opposed to a production facility. This approach is carried through all aspects of the building, including the barrel room, warehousing areas, and production and administrative areas. The low maintenance corrugated metal siding creates an aesthetic reference to agricultural buildings.
"Visually, the winery is like no other. It's a contemporary, boxy, flat-roof structure built of concrete, steel, aluminum and glass -- uncluttered and minimalist." - Detroit News