2018 SHORTLISTED
THe d'ARENBERG CUBE
d'ARENBERG
Category:
SERVCE DESIGN
TOURISM
Design:
CHESTER OSBORN
NIC SALVATI
SARAH CONSTRUCTIONS
CPR ENGINEERS
About
THE d'ARENBERG EXPERIENCE - MORE THAN A CELLAR DOOR.
The d’Arenberg Cube is a five storey multi-function centre and tourism destination. Inspired by the complexities and puzzles of winemaking, Chester Osborn designed a cube-shaped building. Opened in 2017, the d'Arenberg Cube offers an indulgent, artistic and informative journey into the depths of d’Arenberg’s viticulture and winemaking.
Design Challenge
d'Arenberg's previous tasting room and renowned restaurant, d’Arry’s Verandah, housed in the original Osborn family homestead have been popular for years. Due to the small size of the building, both facilities were always fully booked and people were turned away. There were many limitations to increase visitation and to provide premium wine experiences.
Design Solution
Chester Osborn came up with an idea to cater for a larger influx of visitors by creating a unique Cube shaped five storey multi-function centre. The design was complex and difficult, it took many years of Chester Osborn meeting with architects and engineers to arrive at an agreed Cube puzzle/pattern design, as the stories twist. Each of the five levels have been carefully designed to entice and excite the senses. Everything about the d'Arenberg Cube challenges convention. Since opening on 14 Dec 2017, the d'Arenberg Cube has attracted 84260 (same period last year = 30899)
Design Impact
The d'Arenberg Cube has had a social impact, with providing people with a unique and memorable experiences. 153 jobs were created during the build (SA businesses) en route to creating 58 new jobs. d’Arenberg employs over 180 staff, making it one of the largest employers in the McLaren Vale region. The tourism benefits are far reaching, with an expected increase in visitation, to d'Arenberg and the McLaren Vale wine region equating to an increase in sales, more grapes purchased in the area, more economic activity, as well as more work for suppliers and contractors etc.
Other Key Features
The d’Arenberg Cube is a five storey multi-function centre that appears to be floating among the vines. The d’Arenberg Cube houses the winery’s cellar door, state of the art kitchen, private tasting areas, an immersive art gallery, as well as a restaurant that offers luxury food and wine experiences that challenge convention. Inspired by the complexities and puzzles of winemaking, Chester created the idea of a cube-shaped building. Each of the five levels have been carefully designed to entice and excite the senses, including features such as, a virtual fermenter, a 360° video room, and many other tactile experiences. Other unique features include, umbrellas that shade the roof, interesting toilets and a stairwell clad with mirrors, grape bunch light fixtures, and caricatures of the wine names.