d’Arenberg’s $15m ‘Cube’ wins 2018 Good Design Award

Australia’s d’Arenberg winery has won a 2018 Good Design Award for its AU$15 million Rubix-inspired glass cube, installed in the middle of its vineyards in McLaren Vale.

d’Arenberg’s futuristic ‘Cube’ opened in December 2017

The d’Arenberg Cube is glass-encased steel and concrete structure that sits five storeys high, in the middle of a vineyard, with its design inspired somewhat by a Rubix cube, with rotated “modules” that give the illusion of floating above the ground floor entrance.

Opened in December 2017, it houses public and private tasting rooms, several bars, a restaurant and an art gallery, with the cellar door open seven days a week. A restaurant (which includes a 3D food ‘printer’ as part of its equipment) serves lunch from Thursday to Sunday (there is also the longstanding Verandah restaurant at the winery). The restaurant is run by a South African husband-and-wife team, Brendan Wessels and Lindsay Dürr.

A rooftop bar provides panoramic views over McLaren Vale, the Wilunga Hills and the Gulf of St Vincent.

The project was praised at The Good Design Awards, held at Sydney Opera house yesterday on what was its 60th year, receiving the Architectural Design category.

“This installation has captured attention and driven a massive increase in visitor numbers. The Jury applauds this innovative project,” the jury commented.

The annual Good Design Awards is Australia’s most prestigious Awards for design and innovation, and dates back to 1958, with this being its 60th year. Winners of the Good Design Awards will be showcased to the general public during Vivid Sydney, the world’s biggest festival of light, music and ideas in Sydney from 25-27 May 2018 at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay.

Inside the restaurant at d’Arenberg’s Cube