Ricardo Porto Ferreira · CLIENT: Porto Architects
The Portugal Vineyards concept store is the first physical store for the online wine specialist company. Located adjacent to the company’s headquarters, facing the street and occupying 90m2, the store consists of an open-plan devoid of partitions. The interior is a blindingly white and minimal space with circular circulation - a white canvas for the Portuguese wine to shine and be displayed. The shelves are carved out of the walls in reference to the wine terraces on a 360 degrees immersive retail experience with no counter.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- A white canvas for the Portuguese wine to shine and be displayed. The interior is a blindingly white and minimal space with circular circulation. The shelves are carved out of the walls in reference to the wine terraces on a 360 degrees immersive retail experience with no counter. A retail space where staff are on the client side, suggesting, promoting and serving.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Knauf, drywall system; Marilina, epoxy floor; Cin, paint; Ezpeleta, chairs; Lumit, lighting; Charme Versatil, fit-out.
- Tags
- Portugal Vineyards, terraces, curved walls, white space, minimal interiors
- Production Technology
- The curving walls are made of a gypsum board supported by a metal frame and the shelves are engineered wood supported in the same structure. The color is an element of the wine tasting process. After taking the decision to have a bright space we found that the RAL 9003 is the recommended color to be used as a background when observing the aging wine in the wine tasting events. It made sense to us to apply it to our concept as retail is all about the exhibition.
- Design Challenge
- The creative challenge of this project was to find that a circle plan could be the best answer for a squared existing space. Facing a squared plan, a cornered entrance and a secondary access we found our answer in the use of geometry. The displays are carved out of the walls in reference to the vineyard terraces in a circular shape that fills the customer field of view sensitively with indirect lighting and the sharp contrast between the product and the space.
- Project Duration
- The project duration was from April to September 2019.
- Operation Flow
- Space with very linear, clear and open circulation where the staff is placed in center stage. From the moment clients enter the space they are accompanied side-by-side, with no counters, shelves or walls dividing or separating them from the staff members.
- Research
- The initial challenges behind the space were to find the answers through geometry, to allow enough footfall to have the 600 references the clients intended to display, the design should allow the space to be used as a venue for suppliers presentations and to have an area for wine tasting. These requirements were answered through the definition of a radious that allowed the inner circle to gather about 50 people; three levels of terraces where all the bottles rest and a loop circulation that would be broken by the access points.
- Inspiration
- The traditional references to dark cellars and wood materials had to be completely disregarded. Out of this brief we immediately interpreter the need for light and an open plan. Also, while designing a retail space, where emotions tend to be rationalised and as a designer, we work to find solutions beyond the existing condition.
- Image Credits
- #1: Photographer Ivo Tavares Studio
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to Porto Architects, 2019
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