Oak frame design,
build and installation
Hambledon Vineyard
Hambledon Wine Estate was the UK’s first commercial winery, established in 1952. It sits on the chalky slopes of the South Downs National Park, overlooking 200 acres of vines planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Now, under the guidance of Berry Bros. & Rudd and Symington Family Estates, they wanted to grow their business by adding a new green oak restaurant, a visitor experience centre, and educational facilities.
- ArchitectMowatt & Co
- BuilderIBEX Land and Property
- LocationHambledon, Hampshire
- Crafted byThe Green Oak Carpentry Team
Linked to the landscape
The architect – Mowat & Co – took design cues from the agricultural vernacular of the South Downs – low, linear, and rooted in the landscape. The project takes the form of two oak barn structures. A tall barn houses the bar while a lower barn accommodates the restaurant, looking out across the landscape through expansive glazing. Green Oak Carpentry worked closely with the architects from the outset to develop a building that would feel deeply connected to its setting.
Oak and its place in winemaking
Crafting this new building in green oak does more than anchor it within the Hampshire landscape. Oak and winemaking have been close companions for centuries – most notably in the crafting of barrels, where it shapes the character of the wine within. This historic connection is especially prominent in the oak sarking on the roof – a nod to the French Oak wine barrel-making industry.
A spacious, light-filled interior
Inside, the robust green oak frame contrasts boldly with the bar and restaurant’s polish. Solid oak pillars and beams, large open trusses and exposed mortise and tenon joints, secured with oak pegs, look honest and raw, connecting the building to the vineyard and the surrounding landscape viewed through generous panes of glass. Stainless steel tension rods run through the frame, allowing for slimmer timber sections and longer, uninterrupted spans.
The design continues onto the terrace with a series of oak posts, beams, and braces forming a covered colonnade. This sheltered outdoor dining frames the views along the vineyard and gardens, establishing a strong connection with the interior. Here, guests can enjoy the gardens and the views beyond, while sheltering from the sun or wind.
Naturally beautiful
The interior oak surfaces have been sandblasted to bring out the tactile, warm grain. The oak’s rugged beauty is distinct against the smooth ash and walnut furniture, polished concrete floors, and carefully placed lighting that highlights the geometry of the beams and trusses above. The vineyard’s guests are immersed in the landscape while experiencing Hambledon’s elegant wines and seasonal dining.
Visit Hambledon Vineyard
Whether or not you’re a wine connoisseur, Hambledon Vineyard is a beautiful and interesting place to visit. Book a tour, tasting or lunch in their restaurant and experience their beautiful location and rich heritage, while exploring the magnificent oak frame structure crafted by our team.
