By Lindsey DeSimone for Architectural Digest.
The ancient region of Torbalı in western Turkey is known for its vast vineyards and fertile land. Which is why it was selected as the setting for LA Winery, a sprawling property completed by Istanbul-based Kreatif Architects last year. Influenced by the beauty of the surroundings, the firm employed natural elements inside and out, anchoring the grounds with a modern structure clad in stone and wood.
Kreatif Architects devised two separate floors to accommodate the day-to-day needs of a winery. On the ground floor, visitors are welcomed into an open wine-tasting area flooded with natural light. Tall glass windows look out onto the mesmerizing Torbalı landscape, and glass-covered floor openings reveal the expansive cellar, which encompasses nearly 32,000 square feet. Also on the lower level, a private tasting space provides a glimpse into the production process, allowing visitors to watch as the grapes collected in the vineyards are transformed.
While the facility has added a modern edge to the rural landscape, Torbalı's age-old beauty was consciously incorporated into the winery's blueprint. Trees were kept in place, and local vegetation was planted across the property. The result: perfect harmony between contemporary design and natural splendor.
