BBS project shortlisted for 2nd award!

We are delighted to announce that our prestigious Hush Heath Estate winery building has been listed as a Finalist for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce's "Construction Project of the Year 2019" sponsored by Golding Homes - our second award shortlist for this particular project.

Project overview:
The new winery is a stunning low carbon building nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside. 

Our client's brief was to expand the existing production of the winery’s bottling lines, pressing and storage facility, due to recently awarded major supermarket contracts. In conjunction with the new production facility, our client wanted to heavily invest in the current small onsite shop, providing a sustainable visitor centre capable of taking large numbers, offering talks, tours and tastings. Our client’s vision was to provide a unique “one of a kind” winery experience, not seen anywhere in the UK.

Design:
The aesthetic design for the new winery was inspired by local rustic Kentish barns, with an added modern industrial twist. Our architect researched the local agricultural architecture prior to offering his final design concept to the client.

Surrounded by Kentish traditional clad barns, oast houses and period properties, it was essential the new winery building merged seamlessly with neighbouring buildings and existing winery, whilst providing a contemporary visitor attraction. This was achieved by offering a large new 855m2 extension clad in sustainable softwood with western red cedar feature panels, which would over-time tone down becoming weathered to match the existing adjoining building and neighbouring properties. Exposed ragstone walls were introduced which complimented the extensive landscaping.

Internally, the farmhouse style continues incorporated with a modern industrial look, exposed steel, bespoke steel staircase, large stone slab flooring and exposed Kentish ragstone walls.

The space designed for tastings and tours needed to be flexible and multi-functional allowing for various visitor numbers and events. An extensive ground floor decking area was introduced and high-level terrace with views overlooking the estate. By bringing elements of the building’s public space outside, it reinforced the organic nature of Hush Heath and its process of vine to bottle.

Success and feedback:
Success of the new winery building is evident from both owner and visitors. Client feedback has been extremely positive with Richard Balfour-Lynn commenting: “The new winery has been a total success. Our profile has been elevated within our industry. We now offer a unique winery experience that’s the first of its kind in the country. BBS has proven to be a client friendly company that built an excellent winery to a high standard in a very professional manner.”

The new winery allows for whole-life production – planting/growing fruit, picking, pressing, production of wines/ciders, bottling, labelling, tasting and selling on site.

Architect: DESIGN QUARTER (UK) LIMITED