Designing or renovating a dream home is an incredible achievement for many. And taking that dream to its ultimate finale is making sure there is a well-considered wine cellar as part of the plan.
Temperature controlled and dimly lit, each of these seven residences is varied in style and aesthetics, but each has an incredible attention to detail, on what for many people is the ultimate luxury… wine cellars.
1. Fernberg by Tim Stewart Architects
Fernberg is an exercise in tropical modernism, where a cantilevered balcony extends out over Brisbane. Board-formed concrete, natural stone and timber combine for a sense of groundedness. While the upstairs living zone is bathed in natural light, lower down is the perfect place for a wine cellar. Curving custom-built shelves, replete with a ladder, create an enveloping space – centred with a marble plinth perfect for cracking open bottles of vino.
2. Grange Residence by Conrad Architects and Lauren Tarrant
As the name of the house so aptly conveys, this is a home for true wine aficionados. A striking, neutral rectilinear architectural form gives way to large, light-filled interiors. Down in the wine cellar, it’s quite the opposite, moody LED lighting is paired with pale timbers and a strategic pop of marble. This is a space to close the door and sink into the richness of a delicious red.
3. A Singaporean masterpiece by Brewin Design Office
Another fine example of tropical modernism, Brewin Design Office was tasked with refreshing a stunning family home, with architecture originally by Ernesto Bedmar Architects. With a strong architectural foundation, the redesign introduces a warmth through elegant timbers and range of neutral soft furnishings. A cavernous wine room is fitted out in dark Walnut timber shelving, where bottles can be stored flat ready for their quarter turn, or out on display. A central marble, waterfall-style bench creates a spot to perch and sip on a fine drop.
4. Park House by Mim Design and Pleysier Perkins
With the bones of a heritage building as the starting point, originally designed by William Bull, Mim Design has crafted an interior of depth and moodiness, working in tandem with architecture by Pleysier Perkins. Drama is evoked through large expanses of concrete that meet a sweeping black powdercoat spiral stair. The wine cellar exudes an equally theatrical approach with dark-stained timber shelving, and a floor-to-ceiling stone finish across the floor and walls.
5. House of Curves by Matteo x Trinity Architects
House of Curves is defined by sweeping curves and swathes of light. From the swirling staircase to the soft folding walls, and handcarved marble – every element is bespoke. Perhaps most thoughtful of all is a wall of wine storage in the garage, a placement that is so perfectly attuned to the movements of the owners, whereby they arrive home, grab a bottle of wine and head on upstairs to enjoy it.
6. A wine cellar to have a party in – Point Piper Villa by Archer Design
When you have a home that is designed with luxury in every corner, it’s no surprise to see a wine cellar with just as much consideration. At Point Piper Villa the wine cellar of course has wall-to-wall shelving, but making it feel very unique, there is also a chandelier, artworks and a Tulip table and chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. This is a space to sit back and relax.
7. Unley Park Residence by Williams Burton Leopardi
Set within an Edwardian-style heritage home in Adelaide, Unley Park Residence has been modernised under the expert hand of Williams Burton Leopardi. With plenty of old-world charm translated throughout, the wine cellar is conceived in much the same manner. Deep layers of shelving allow all kinds of storage, while a central bar can be used to sit and perch. Materiality has been used a heat modulator, as seen in the brick flooring, which kicks up around to form a skirting board edge.
