THE WATERING HOLE 03 03

This is a proposal for a canned sparking water facility and tasting room in Paso Robles, California. As a studio, watercolor as a medium and a process was very important and the driving factor of finding our form. Our introduction project, therefore, was to create a sort of Rube Goldberg “watercolor machine” out of salvaged materials that would splash watercolor paint onto a canvas. Using the original painting (diagrammed in the top left) a form was gathered based on both the splashes of color and the incorporation of existing site conditions.

With water beings such an important aspect of the project, the building itself hugs the hydrology line of the site, and attempts to preserve the natural contours of the slope. The glazing facing north is intended to grab favorable natural daylight as well as take advantage of the views out onto the landscape. To express a sense of lightness and emphasize the desire to leave the ground “untouched,” the building barely hovering above the landscape, wtih pilotis being used for both the structure of the building and to allow for a continuous balcony for outdoor circulation and added outdoor viewing opportunities.

In terms of program, it was important that the production and management facilities were tucked in the back yet still transparent for the public to engage with and learn about how these products were made. The interior partition of glass allows visitors not only to get a sneak peek into these production processes, but allow for daylight to filter further into the building, allowing employees to get the same views as the visitors and encourage visual interaction between the two. More private program such as office spaces are placed on the wings of the building, allowing distance from the bustling noise of the production and tasting areas while still having access to the shared outdoor viewing balcony.