HAIN emerges as an extension of a grove, blending living trees with structural elements crafted from local larch wood. Serving as shelving and storage for the winery’s equipment and tools, HAIN incorporates additional tree plantings to supplement the existing grove. Between the trees, cross-cut larch trunks are mounted on a subterranean wooden foundation, creating a harmonious integration of natural and functional elements.

GAIA functions as the vineyard’s primary storage building, designed with cultural and ecological significance. For centuries, the Brandenburg region has seen fieldstones, or Feldsteine, pushed to the surface by frost and soil cultivation. Historically, these stones were repurposed for foundations, churches, barns, and roads, while surplus stones formed piles at the edges of fields, creating biotopes rich in biodiversity. GAIA draws inspiration from this tradition, reusing fieldstones salvaged from a demolished nearby road to construct its layered façade and roof.This design not only preserves the local heritage of fieldstone construction but also creates habitats for plants, lichens, birds, insects, and amphibians. Over time, the building’s appearance will evolve as flora and fauna colonize its surfaces, making it a living, dynamic structure.

Inside, GAIA’s thermal mass ensures a stable climate ideal for wine storage. The building’s support structure is crafted from undried local larch wood, while clay—used for brickwork, the cap ceiling, and rammed-earth flooring—complements its natural composition. The foundation and ground floor are constructed from reused fieldstones and bricks, eliminating the need for concrete or composite materials. On the upper floor, a reversible functional layer accommodates the technical installations required for the winery’s operation.

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