Louisvale Wine Estate is located in the Devon Valley (Stellenbosch, South Africa) at the foot of Cape Fold with a history of 3,000,000 years. The setting of this historic site inspired architect Christoph Albertin to create an iconic liquor store.
The first man-made structures in this area were created by the Koi-koin tribes about 2000 years ago. Their domed structures were made of Taibos shingles and covered with woven reeds and animal skins. When colonizers from Europe arrived in the area in the 15th century, they brought with them a vine, oak seedlings for planting. They began to build white, plastered houses with gables reflecting the patterns of their home countries.
The design of the modern building is based on a combination of historical elements of the Louisvale wine estate, embodied in a state-of-the-art structure. The facade of the wine storage is made in the technique of large diamonds and scales, which not only enliven the shape of organic curves, but also emphasize the beautiful view of the Cape Fold mountain range.
The soft curves of the outer shell of RHEINZINK follow the lines and shapes of the woven reed Koi-koin huts. Supporting curved steel beams in combination with glass rest on a polished concrete floor interspersed with Perlemoenne shell crumbs - a reminder of the geology of the mountain range.
The rhombus dome of blue-gray titanium-zinc RHEINZINK-prePATINA blaugrau overhangs a low concrete roof planted with restia, a perennial evergreen herb common in South Africa that symbolizes the thatched roof of the Dutch New Cape estate with a glass covered walkway. Thus, the modern creation is at the same time a reflection of buildings from different eras: the Koi-koin huts and the Dutch estate of the New Cape.
In certain places, the dome is separated by organic curved shapes to maximize the view of the distant mountains. On the other side, the cavern-like glazed openings follow the shape of the opening of the Perlemoen shell, which emphasizes the fusion of modernity with the archaic nature of the countryside.
The result of architectural inspiration is a state-of-the-art yet timeless building that houses a magnificent wine boutique and hosts corporate events, weddings and other celebrations.
Skillful craft
The building's unique geometric façade illustrates the versatility of what a skilled craftsman can create with RHEINZINK. The natural patina material proved to be ideal for this unusual structure.
Client: Louisvale Wine Estate, Devon Valley, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Architectural concept: Christof Albertyn, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa
RHEINZINK Titanium Zinc Work: Rohde Roofing, Cape Town, South Africa
Technical data: Facade: 650 m2 of blue-gray patinated titanium-zinc RHEINZINK-prePATINA blaugrau in diamond technology.
