Act of Wine

Act of Wine is a natural wine store that sells natural, sustainable, and biodynamic/organic wines from Australia and overseas.

It focuses on small, sustainable producers and is based at Southbank in Melbourne.

The ethos behind Act of Wine is rooted in the product selections it makes.

Wines, craft beers, and spirits are stocked if they have had minimal intervention and are a reflection of both origin and terroir.

Reflecting both the natural product and sustainable ethos behind the outlet, Act of Wine looks to terroir as the source of design inspiration (and of all good things).

This retail space, designed by ZWEI Interiors Architecture, feels hewn from the ground, monastic in its simplicity, and yet welcoming … waiting for the good times to begin.

The ZWEI design is a reflection of these holistic considerations and plays with the idea that Earth is the source and should be celebrated, yet also respected.

Minimalist in its execution and with a simple formality, the outlet presents the product as its focus, within a carefully curated selection of materials.

Rammed earth bulkheads create the perception of a subterranean cave.

Yet the concealed lighting throughout builds an atmospheric, almost religious backdrop to the timber wine bottle displays.

Freestanding open wire display frames allow a dynamic storage pattern under individually routed timber blocks that house each wine bottle.

The counter is clad in backlit paper waffle cladding, allowing minimal built intervention, and acts a beacon, drawing you closer in.

This project is a vehicle for ZWEI client’s vision of a deeply holistic and natural ‘bottle shop’.

Every function of the business – from operations to graphics to interiors – collaborates to grow the brand.

This retail fitout is a reflection of the holistic brand.

All aspects of the design were considered; from minimal built form to the careful selection of natural materials that were local, sustainable, and reflective of the terroir.

The ZWEI scheme was not about building a grand vision.

It was about a collaborative and holistic process between all parties, including the customer.

The design demonstrates that through consideration and development of the design intent, and by clearly establishing the project vision, an outcome that tightly aligns with and reflects the brand’s values can be achieved.

The design delivers a highly productive environment for retail sales.

And events and gatherings that advance the dialogue Act of Wine has with their community can be hosted there too.

By delivering a flexible and adaptable environment, Act of Wine can continue to adapt and modify the space to suit the needs and wants of its customers.

It can easily reinvent their retail offer to mesh with future market tastes and preferences.

Project Details

Completion date – 2018
Building levels – 1

Project Team

Architecture and Interiors

ZWEI Interiors Architecture

ZWEI (German for “2”) are a Melbourne-based multidisciplinary design team specializing in the delivery of hospitality and retail spaces.

www.zwei.com.au

Photography

Tom Blachford

Based in Melbourne, Australia Tom Blachford specialises in Interiors, Architecture, Aerial, and Fine Art photography.

Working with many of Australia’s most prominent and creative architects and designers, Tom prides himself on translating space, texture and design intent into strong sets of images.

His graphic approach and cinematic aesthetic also been utilised by brands and agencies seeking evocative images to elevate their campaigns with the use of his signature style. His advertising clients and collaborations include Asahi Beer, Nomad Hotels, Deakin University, MTV and Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Tom has worked for architectural and design clients including DKO, Techne Architects, FIGR, Elenberg Fraser, Wood Marsh, Jackson Clement & Burrows, GOLDEN, Ritz and Ghougassian, IF architecture, Foolscap, and Studio Esteta.

www.tomblachford.com