| PROJECTS |
Seven Roman-inspired precast concrete arches manufactured by CMA member, Cape Concrete, for m t he pr i ncipa l architectural feature of a new winery at Bacco Estate, a recently established wine estate fringed by spectacular mountain scenery on the outskirts of Paarl. Due for completion in time for 2022’s January harvest , the winery is a threetiered structure comprising: a 1 000m² basement/cellar, a double-volume 1 100m² ground-floor which houses a 700m² tank processing area; and a 400m² tasting section. The structure also includes a 200m² first f loor administration section and a triple-volume glazed atrium. “We were presented with the basic equipment layout by the consulting process engineer, Gerard de Villiers,” said architect A nthony Stricker of A nderson Perr y Partnership Architects (APPA). “It included the tank elements and wine barrels and gave us a footprint which formed the basis for our layout. “A lt hough funct ion played a key role in our design, we were inspired by the scale, structure and symmetry of Roman architecture, but without the ornamental flourishes associated with styles of classicism. This was at the request of the
estate’s owner, Nathan Jankelowitz, who wanted the building to be a visual reference of the contemporary ‘Super Tuscan’ wines produced by the estate. He also requested that the arches be constructed from precast concrete because of its superior finishes and ease of construction.” Seven arches Cast in three sizes, all seven arches comprise precast curved sections supported by two vertical precast wall panels. The front of the building is dominated by two of the three largest arches as modern-day portcullises, which, at their highest point, rise to an imposing 10,5m. “We made these arches larger because they form the structure’s public portals. Moreover, they encase glass panelling and doors, and their greater depth enabled the glazing to be recessed for sun protection,” said Stricker.
Precast arches set the tone
FOR NEW WINERY The panels of the largest arches weigh 15 tons apiece and measure 7,8m (height) x 2,59m (depth) x 280mm (thickness). A 430mm portion along the front ends of the larger wall panels were stepped down to a thickness of 200mm to match the thickness of the curved sections, which weigh 12 tons and measure 200mm (thickness) x 2,59m (depth) x 5m (internal diameter). Wine-tasting One of the large arches provides access to the double-volume reception hall and winetasting section and the other provides entry to an extension of the hall. Both spill out onto an entrance patio at the front of the building. The third large arch is positioned parallel to the f irst in the wine hall’s opposing gable wall elevation and provides access from the hall into an open courtyard. Besides the south-western arch of the wine-tasting hall, the courtyard is flanked (Above): The second entrance arch. (Left): The two entrance arches.
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PRECAST | ISSUE THREE | 2021
