Commercial Architecture | Wine Shop and Tasting Room Design | Adaptive Re-Use and New Construction
712 Market Street, Southern Village, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Client/Owner: Paula de Pano
Project Description
The client, a celebrated sommelier, wanted her new 1550-square-foot wine shop to be connected to its place (terroir), where people linger over wines and artisanal treats, and wine tastings and educational classes are social events. She wanted the physical space to provide a warm, welcoming experience for all customers, regardless of their wine expertise, with accessible displays in a bright, capacious setting.
The plan retains the raw core and shell of the surrounding building while introducing a delicate display space that invites curiosity and immersion. The design includes an inviting patio on the sidewalk with open-air service from inside via a garage door-style window. The abundance of glass at the front allows natural light to penetrate the interior while maintaining connectivity with the shopping center (a sense of place). Inside, minimal wood display units rise along the outer walls. And at the center of this clean, clear space -- devoid of marketing clutter -- a large, communal table seats 20 for tastings, educational events, and casual conversation.
Credits : Architecture and Interior Design: pod architecture + design
Douglas Pierson: design principal and project manager, Youn Choi : design principal
Photography: pod architecture + design; Daniel Turbert Photography