Wine factory for Martni & Rossi, at Canillejas, Madrid

Abstract

In the construction of this set of buildings, for a wine producing firm, the strictly functional needs were naturally the paramount design criterion. All the various stages in the manufacture of the well known liqueurs and aperitif drinks marketed by this firm had to be studied in detail, to provide the best possible housing accommodation. A detailed pattern of all the requirements, including communications, sequence of operations, and possible future developments, was the initial step from which the architects proceeded, in their progressive elaboration of the final design. The interplay of volumes and planes is a direct consequence of the essential purpose of the buildings. The bottling nave consists of a series of parabolic arches and portal frames which support, by means of adjustable tie members, many of the stored materials. This is an original and highly functional design, into which a great deal of care and thought has been put.