Signum Architecture's Sustainable Design for Odette Estate Winery

Signum Architecture's Vision for Odette Estate Winery

Odette Estate Winery is the newest addition to the Plumpjack Group's collection of properties in Napa Valley. Situated in the Stag's Leap district, the winery's soft and feminine wines are in stark contrast to the masculine qualities of the group's Howell Mountain property. Signum Architecture was tasked with designing a production winery that embodied these feminine qualities while maintaining a high level of sustainability on a limited budget.

Designing with "Three Ladies" in Mind

To embody the feminine qualities of the wines produced at Odette Estate, Signum Architecture drew inspiration from three pivotal female characters in works of literature and ballet. The team began calling them the "three ladies" and incorporated their swaying silhouettes into nearly every architectural element of the winery. From the logo to the vineyard statues, the sinuous curves of the designs reflect the feminine inspiration.

Creating a Sustainable Winery

To achieve sustainability on a limited budget, Signum Architecture designed the production winery to be set into a notch in the hillside behind the existing winery. The curved structure is topped with a living roof and 2,500 square feet of solar panels, while three repurposed shipping containers serve as offices and labs within the open-air space behind the screen. Despite its small size, the winery is visible from the Silverado Trail and has become an iconic image of the property thanks to the illuminated screen that features the undulating forms of the three Odettes.

Overcoming Challenges

One of the most significant challenges during the design process was the winery's western exposure. Signum Architecture overcame this challenge by devising a perforated screen layered with the flowing shapes of the three ladies. This screen not only shields the winery from the sun's harsh rays but also adds to the winery's aesthetic appeal. In 2017, the winery production facility was certified LEED Gold by the USGBC.

In conclusion, Signum Architecture's design for Odette Estate Winery is a testament to the power of creativity and sustainability. The winery's sinuous curves, living roof, solar panels, and repurposed shipping containers are all examples of how to create a stunning and functional winery on a limited budget. The illuminated screen featuring the three Odettes is the perfect finishing touch, making Odette Estate Winery an iconic image of Napa Valley's wine country.

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