Bodegas Dominio d’Echauz is a winery located in the region of Castile, Spain, designed by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos. The project combines architectural design with research on preserving Spain’s ancestral grape varieties. Beyond its function as a winery, it serves as a research centre for Vitis Navarra, focusing on the recovery of forgotten and unclassified grape species.

Use of Biobased Materials: Hempcrete and Cork

The building makes extensive use of hempcrete blocks, a biocomposite material consisting of plant fibres (hemp), lime, and water. Hempcrete is valued for its low carbon footprint, biodegradability, and thermal performance. The curved geometry of the walls increases structural stability and efficiency.

The building’s surfaces—walls, floors, and ceilings—are uniformly coated with Diathonite, a natural cork-based mortar. This material provides thermal insulation and moisture regulation, which supports stable internal conditions essential for wine production and storage.

For architects and designers, the use of hempcrete and cork highlights material choices that contribute to climate resilience, carbon reduction, and the use of biobased resources in construction.

Functional Layout Aligned with the Winemaking Process

The design follows the sequence of winemaking. It starts from the arrival of grapes and destemming, through fermentation in stainless steel tanks, to aging in oak barrels, and finally bottling. The linear path is interrupted by expanded areas for social gatherings, tasting, research, and storage, while maintaining operational flow.

The architecture responds to the topography of Zayas de Báscones. The building’s form is influenced by the surrounding vineyards and landscape. The structure integrates into the natural environment, with the curved walls mirroring the patterns of the terrain.

Biodiversity and Cultural Preservation

Bodegas Dominio d’Echauz functions as a repository for genetic biodiversity in Spanish viticulture. By housing and protecting a wide range of grape species, including those rarely cultivated, the facility contributes to the preservation of agricultural diversity and cultural heritage.

For professionals in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, the project illustrates the integration of natural materials, functional design, and ecological considerations. The combination of biobased building elements, site-responsive design, and a focus on biodiversity aligns with contemporary approaches in sustainable architecture.

Source & images: Fran Silvestre Arquitectos