Almazara Acesur is a striking example of how industrial architecture can harmonize with the natural landscape. Designed by Mollinedo Arquitectura, the project transforms a traditional olive oil production facility into a space that not only serves functional purposes but also celebrates the beauty of its surroundings.
- Design Inspired by Nature
- The architecture mimics the organic forms of olives falling to the ground, using hexagonal geometric modulations to reflect natural patterns.
- Modular Functionality
- Featuring different areas for olive oil extraction, storage, reception and staff needs, the facility was designed with a modular approach that encourages efficiency and flexibility.
- Seamless Landscape Integration
- The buildings are designed to blend into the landscape with earthworks and plants, using light-colored coatings reflecting shades of olive oil.
- Welcome Entrance
- A tree-lined access road and landscaped hexagonal plaza create an inviting entrance for visitors, enhancing accessibility and community engagement.
- Symbolic Architecture
- The winery is composed of four hexagonal modules symbolizing the olive blossom, strengthening the connection between the architecture and the agricultural heritage of the region.
- Indoor-Outdoor Connection
- The design emphasizes transparency and connection to nature with interior gardens and glass walkways that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.
- Education Focus
- The facility includes a lecture hall for educational purposes to promote awareness and appreciation of olive oil production and its cultural significance.
- Promoting Oil Tourism
- Almazara Acesur serves as a hub for oil tourism, showcasing local agricultural practices and enhancing visitor experiences through its thoughtful design and integration with the environment.
- Sustainability and Community
- The project reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and aims to promote accessible design and community engagement through educational initiatives.
- Innovative Industrial Architecture
- Almazara Acesur exemplifies how industrial architecture can harmonize with the environment, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Conceptual Basis
Almazara Acesur’s conceptual framework is based on the observation of olives as they fall to the ground. The architects realized that some olives become half-buried while others remain visible, creating a rich tapestry of transitional relationships. This observation guided the design process, emphasizing the importance of gaps, spatial relationships and volumetric references emerging from nature.
Mimicking the organic shapes found in olive groves, the design team crafted hexagonal geometric modulations to accommodate the various functions within the facility. This approach reflects a commitment not only to aesthetics, but also to the principles underlying the design of nature.
Geometric Modulation
The facility consists of several different but interconnected areas, including
- Olive Oil Extraction Warehouse: A dedicated area for the conversion of olives into oil, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery to ensure quality production.
- Oil Cellar: A carefully controlled environment for storing the finished product, preserving the flavor and qualities of the olive oil.
- Auxiliary Facilities Warehouse: Support areas for equipment and maintenance ensure smooth operational flow.
- Reception Area and Shop: A welcoming space where visitors can learn about the production process and purchase products.
- Conference Hall: A venue for educational sessions and discussions on olive oil and agriculture.
- Office, Laboratory, Staff and Restroom Areas: Facilities required to support the operational and administrative needs of staff.
This modular design not only aids functionality, but also brings an element of organic repetition that reflects the natural world.
Integration with the Landscape
One of the highlights of Almazara Acesur is its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. The architects have implemented a strategy of landscape camouflage, allowing the buildings to emerge naturally from the earth. Strategically placed hexagonal modules allow earthworks and planting to wrap around their contours, creating a fluid relationship between architecture and nature.
The use of light-colored cladding on both the façade and the roof enhances this mimetic quality, ensuring that the building blends into its surroundings. As the vegetation matures, the facility will further integrate into the landscape and strengthen the connection between the built environment and the surrounding olive groves.
Entrance and Accessibility
The entrance to Almazara Acesur has been carefully designed to create an inviting first impression. A tree-lined access road leads visitors to a landscaped hexagonal plaza that serves as a multifunctional space for parking public and private vehicles, including buses. This space not only facilitates accessibility, but also serves as a gathering point for visitors, reinforcing the sense of community around the facility.
The architectural strategy used here is one of inclusivity and openness, ensuring that the facility is accessible to all. The landscape design complements the architectural forms, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and participation.
Architectural Details
At the center of the design is the winery, formed by the assembly of four hexagonal modules. This configuration is a direct allegory of the olive blossom, symbolizing the essence of the region’s agricultural heritage. These semi-buried modules are designed to create landscaped mounds that will blend into the environment over time. As the plants grow and mature, they will enhance the natural beauty of the site and strengthen the connection with the landscape.
The design also considers practical aspects, inviting visitors to explore the interiors while providing exterior access for maintenance. This dual approach encourages a sense of transparency and accessibility, allowing guests to appreciate both the production process and the surrounding landscape.
Interior Experience
As visitors enter Almazara Acesur, they are welcomed into a spacious reception area, which includes an oil warehouse showcasing the property’s products. The layout encourages exploration, with large interior gardens that create a sense of continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design intent here is to make these spaces feel open and connected to nature, emphasizing the importance of the environment in olive oil production.
Adjacent to the reception is a conference room designed for educational purposes, where visitors can learn about the intricacies and cultural significance of olive oil production. A glass walkway elegantly connects the reception area to the administrative offices, with additional gardens that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.
At one end of the facility, visitors find public restrooms, while at the other end are private spaces for laboratory and staff areas. This thoughtful layout not only supports operational efficiency, but also enhances the visitor experience by providing a seamless flow between different areas of the facility.
Promoting Oil Tourism
Almazara Acesur is much more than an olive oil production facility; it acts as a catalyst to promote oil tourism in the region. The project aims to engage visitors and educate them about the cultural heritage of olive cultivation by showcasing the beauty of the land and the craftsmanship involved in olive oil production.
The design reflects a deep respect for nature and its resources, creating a space where industrial production and environmental beauty coexist. As such, Almazara Acesur is a testament to how thoughtful architectural design can promote community engagement and tourism while enhancing the value of local agriculture.
Through its innovative design and integration with the landscape, Almazara Acesur not only sublimates the olive oil production process, but also celebrates the rich traditions and natural beauty of the region, becoming a landmark in contemporary industrial architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions: Almazara Acesur
What is Almazara Acesur?
Almazara Acesur is a modern olive oil production facility located in a region of Spain famous for olive cultivation. Designed by Mollinedo Arquitectura, it combines industrial functionality and harmony with the natural environment.
When did the construction of Almazara Acesur start and when was it completed?
Construction of the structure began in 2021 and was completed in 2023. The project reflects the integration of modern architecture and olive oil production.
What is the architecture of Almazara Acesur like?
The architectural design uses hexagonal modulations inspired by the forms of nature. These modules are placed in an arrangement similar to the way olives fall to the ground, creating an organic structure.
What does the interior of Almazara Acesur look like?
The interior is filled with large spaces and gardens illuminated by natural light. Visitors can observe the olive oil production process and spend time in a relaxing atmosphere.
Why is Almazara Acesur so special?
This building establishes a strong link between industrial production and the natural environment, highlighting the olive production processes and the cultural heritage of the region. It combines architecture, sustainability and aesthetic values.
When is the best time to visit Almazara Acesur?
It can be visited at any time of the year. However, an early morning or late evening visit is recommended to avoid peak tourist periods.
What activities does Almazara Acesur offer to visitors?
Guided tours, olive oil tasting events and trainings on olive cultivation are offered to visitors. Accommodation and event spaces are also available.
What are the entrance fees for Almazara Acesur?
Entrance fees vary depending on the age group of the visitor and the type of activity. There is usually a set fee for adults and discounts for children and students.
Should I buy tickets to visit Almazara Acesur in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended, as tickets can sell out quickly during peak periods. However, tickets can often be purchased on the same day.
Is there an appropriate dress code for visiting Almazara Acesur?
It is important to dress comfortably and appropriately during the visit. Since you will be walking in agricultural areas, it is recommended to choose comfortable shoes.
My thoughts about Almazara Acesur
Almazara Acesur is an extraordinary building that blends nature and industry. Its design reflecting the forms of nature and its playful presentation of the olive oil production process provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. More than just a production facility, this building is a center that celebrates olive culture and the natural beauty of the region. You should consider visiting Almazara Acesur for this unique experience.
Architect: Mollinedo Arquitectura
Architectural Style: Modern – Design in Harmony with Nature
Year: 2023
Location: Spain