Sam Marts Architects & Planners hope to work with growers who have a need to take care of the land, to work with local resources, and believe in an agrarian aesthetic. The primary structure of a winery is often the utilitarian barn. Historically, in the Midwest, a barn has been a timber frame.
Growing grapes for seven years along an ancient lake Michigan shoreline, a couple decided to build a home. The house is a passive solar timber frame structure featuring a soap stone contraflow fireplace as the primary heat source. The basement level is built into the hillside and becomes a natural wine cellar.
The schematic design for this project involve developing two schemes in order to illustrate different approaches for every issue; two entry approaches, two site plans, two production approaches, two tasting rooms. These drawings were made to illustrate what may happen when an issue is approached in a different way.
L. Mawby Vineyards and White Oak Timber Frame are neighbors and together with Sam Marts Architects & Planners have on three occasions worked to grow timber frame structures at the winery.