Spanish Winery Uses Hempcrete Blocks To Preserve Ancient Grapes

In the peaceful countryside of Zayas de Báscones, Spain, a subtle new architectural project is beginning to take shape. Designed by the firm Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, the Bodegas Dominio d’Echauz winery is envisioned to be more than just a wine production facility — it will function as a living archive, a laboratory, and a sanctuary focused on preserving and studying endangered grape varieties.

Integration with the Landscape and Agricultural Heritage

Unlike many wineries that favor large-scale operations, this project takes a more restrained approach. Its planned curved white form will follow the layout of the surrounding vineyards, appearing as if it naturally emerged from the landscape. Behind this understated design lies an innovative proposal that bridges sustainable architecture with agricultural heritage conservation.

The building is being constructed primarily using hempcrete blocks, a biocomposite made from hemp fibers, lime, and water. These blocks will form two continuous curved walls that offer structural strength while creating a gentle, flowing aesthetic. A single-sloped metal roof will cover the building, which will be entirely coated in Diathonite, an insulating cork-based mortar applied to the floors, walls, and ceilings.

Together, these materials will provide a cohesive look and excellent thermal performance — a crucial factor for wine aging, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for mechanical climate control systems.

Minimalist Aesthetic and Climate Functionality

The minimalist white palette and use of natural materials align with Fran Silvestre’s broader architectural philosophy. But in this case, the choices are not just aesthetic: the white cork coating will reflect sunlight to help regulate the building’s temperature during Castile’s intense summers, while the low profile of the structure will allow it to blend into the landscape.

Inside, the winery will follow a clear and functional path: grapes will enter at one end, pass through fermentation tanks, and mature in oak barrels before bottling. The design expands in key areas to include spaces for wine tasting, social gatherings, research, and storage.

This layout emphasizes the building’s deeper purpose: it’s not a wine factory, but a space for micro-vinification, where each small batch is a study in preservation and potential.

Partnership for Protecting Rare Varieties

Vitis Navarra, an organization dedicated to protecting nearly forgotten grape varieties, is partnering on the development of the project. The goal isn’t to produce large volumes of wine, but to create a genetic repository — a critical resource for the future of viticulture in the face of climate change and shifting consumer preferences.

The winery will name its first collection Basajaun, honoring a forest spirit from Basque mythology known for guarding nature’s secrets. The team chose the name as a symbolic reflection of the winery’s mission to quietly protect often-overlooked genetic, cultural, and architectural ecosystems.

Once completed, the project will stand as a rare intersection of sustainable construction and agricultural conservation. More than a winery, it will be a living archive, rooted in tradition and designed to grow toward the future.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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