15. The Modern Bank Barn with Subterranean Wine Cellar
Introduction
Inspired by historic 19th-century bank barns built into earthen hillsides, this contemporary version uses the slope for energy efficiency, grounding, and luxury basement programming, such as walk-in wine cellars and entertainment lounges.
What This Idea Means
It provides dual-level ground access: enter the upper level directly from the road, while the walkout lower level opens into lower terraced gardens.
How to Make It
- Earth Retaining: Construct heavily waterproofed, insulated reinforced concrete subterranean retaining walls on the hillside edge.
- Cellar Design: Build a glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled wine room directly against the subterranean foundation wall.
- Driveway Access: Create an elevated modern timber bridge approach that leads directly to the top-floor main entrance.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Leave the subterranean concrete walls exposed inside the wine room for an authentic, temperature-stable cellar aesthetic.
- Variation: Place the garage and workshop on the lower hillside level, keeping vehicles completely out of sight from the upper main entrance.