Jussila Vineyard

This project consists of master planning 80-acres of fertile hills with program that includes a wine-making facility, tasting cottage, main house of 5500 square feet and a guest house. The property is located in the central coast of California in Paso Robles, an emerging wine region. The master plan included the growing of grapes, olive oils and producing black walnut liquors.

The first phase of the project is the completed main house. The diagram of the house was generated with exterior corridors to view and specific landscape elements, hence, the house is divided into components or parts that all revolve around a centralized exterior courtyard. The imagery and vocabulary of the house is rooted in local vernacular agricultural structures and are simple in form and materials. The courtyard contains a terrace, pool, sauna, fire element, cooking area and gardens. The vines retreat into the courtyard and make the connection of the house to its site.

The exterior materials consist of stained cedar, anodized metal siding, and stone from the property and aluminum windows/doors. The interior materials are concrete floors, walnut stairs from the land, plaster walls and veneered wall panels. Each ‘component’ of the house enjoys views in all directions as the house is positioned on the hill top and one is always reminded of the connection between house and landscape.

Contractor: US Builders
Structural Engineer: Taylor & Syfan Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Photographer: Wayne Thom Photography

Awards: 2005 AIA Colorado West Merit Award-unbuilt, 2009 AIA California Central Coast Chapter Merit Award