If walls could speak

In a project that he describes as one of his most significant works to date, Cape Town architect and designer Lorenzo Nassimbeni has conceived and completed a striking mural for Neil Ellis Wines in Stellenbosch.

In its most basic form, the mural is an architectural “site section” that shows the new winery building in the context of its surrounding landscape. The work depicts the romantic process of winemaking, and is composed of three elements – mountain, building and vineyard – which inter-relate to form an overall linear narrative.

The “mountain” becomes the main facade of the new building. The “building” then points towards the bottled products displayed in a recessed enclave. This line, in turn, is continued and becomes a site-specific “vineyard”.

“At a spatial level, the visitor is met at the entrance with an alluring representation of the mountain,” Lorenzo explains. “The vine-like line then leads them to the centre for the wine-tasting area and directs them on to the entertainment area, which looks onto the vineyards.”

Ultimately, the mural serves as a directional device, but also offers the interior of the winery with an iconic image, with which visitors may associate their wine-tasting experience.

Visit www.neilellis.com for more information about the winery, and be sure to pop in at the new tasting room, which opens in December.

Source: VISI