Overlooking a 14-hectare vineyard in Central Otago, the new Domaine-Thomson Wines Cellar Door gives guests the chance to discover the winery’s range of biodynamic pinot noirs while enjoying stunning views of the Cromwell Basin and Lake Dunstan. Inspired by the history of the area, the building evokes a rustic feel through thoughtful material choices, including True Oak Corrugate Roofing and Cladding by Roofing Industries.

The cellar door was designed by architects Tom Rowe and Noel Lane who took inspiration from local historical buildings — in particular huts created by miners and farmers from simple materials. The aim was to create a rustic yet refined building that would reflect the history of the region without dominating the surrounding landscape.

Two interconnected huts form the main structure of the building — one housing the cellar door, gallery and library, while the other is home to the cellar, office and amenities. The huts are connected by a glazed entry and corridor which serves as the heart of the building. Exposed timber and limestone in the interior bring touches of the landscape indoors.

For the roofing and cladding, Roofing Industries True Oak Corrugate in 0.55 galvanised steel was chosen. A return to the original deeper, rounder corrugate roofing and cladding shape that dates back to the early 1800s, True Oak Corrugate was the perfect choice for the project. Using advanced and patented manufacturing technology, True Oak Corrugate combines strength and architecturally pleasing aesthetics to provide an all-encompassing corrugate roofing and cladding solution.

To give the building a more weathered exterior, the True Oak Corrugate roofing and cladding was acid washed by Main Contractor Breen Construction, resulting in an aged finish reminiscent of the huts that inspired the build. The roofing and cladding are complemented by large steel chimneys in 0.55 galv from Roofing Industries with the same weathered finish, providing a cohesive look.

The acid-washed True Oak Corrugate plays a key role in evoking the rural character and timelessness of the Domaine Wines Cellar Door — a rustic yet elegant building with stunning views that gives guests a first taste of what the winery has to offer.