Hidden beneath the forest floor at Silvermist Wine Estate, La Colombe’s secret cellar transcends the conventional wine storage space. Shortlisted for the 2024 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, this underground retreat is the result of trusted collaboration and innovation, crafted by MR. Design Studio, lighting virtuoso Martin Döller of One to One, and the exquisite craftsmanship of Wiid Design. Together, they’ve transformed a mundane storage area into an immersive sanctuary that celebrates nature, design, and light.
The creative minds at MR. Design Studio, Rotem Shachar and Megan Bond, approached the project with a clear objective: to transform a ‘pokey storage room’ into a compelling sensory experience. With the aim of capturing what happens below the forest floor, they envisioned a space that felt alive and vibrant.
Design that immerses
The team focussed on the underlying concept of biophilic design, stripping the cellar down to its essentials. ‘We made sure each element had purpose and function,’ they note, using earthy materials and lighting elements that mimic the natural world.
As guests descend into the cellar, the magical quality of the cork mutes sound and absorbs distractions, allowing for a focussed engagement with this unique dining experience. Punctured roots not only serve as functional lighting but also add drama, enhancing the cellar’s immersive quality. In this thoughtfully designed environment, every bite and sip invite deep appreciation.
A tactile wonderland
Laurie Wiid van Heerden, the visionary behind Wiid Design, followed this pursuit of harmonising with nature. More than 200 panels of solid, recycled virgin cork were employed, each ‘individually hand-chopped and carved to create the unique, natural texture.’ This painstaking technique, honed over many years, ensures that every panel contributes to a seamless, earthy aesthetic.
The design journey transports visitors into a quiet subterranean world, where ‘tree roots pierce the surface’ and mycelium lines the walls. Here, food and wine achieve new heights — flavours intensify, aromas deepen, and the experience becomes almost tactile. The fusion of nature with interior design allows guests to engage with their surroundings in a profoundly intimate way.
Light it up
Martin Döller, Creative Director at One to One, played a critical role in bringing the cellar to life through innovative lighting design. Recognising the power of light in hospitality, he aimed to enhance the sensory journey within this realm.
Döller focussed on creating a balance between task and ambient lighting, ensuring that the cellar’s natural elements are accentuated. His lighting design ‘aligns seamlessly’ with the cellar’s biophilic aesthetic, enhancing the overall atmosphere while maintaining functionality. The use of indirect lighting allows for captivating shadows cast by the existing sculptural bronze roots, enriching the visual experience without overwhelming it.
Furthermore, the gentle wash of floor lighting guides guests through the space, creating a narrative quality to their journey. Döller’s approach exemplifies the importance of fluent spatial flow, which is essential in ensuring that guests feel enveloped in the experience. Each layer of light enhances depth and mood, inviting diners to revel in their surroundings.
A feast for the senses
La Colombe’s secret cellar is more than an exquisite wine-tasting venue; it is a testament to the power of collaborative design. By marrying the artistic vision of Wiid Design, the storytelling finesse of MR. Design Studio, and the illuminating expertise of One to One, the project embodies a harmonious blend of nature and craftsmanship, a complete transformation of a once depthless space.
The cellar, with its rebellious spirit and sensorial richness, reminds us that true innovation lies in crafting spaces that resonate deeply, inviting us to explore, taste, and feel. This unearthed gem offers an unforgettable journey that lingers long after the last glass has been poured.
This article is an extract from our October Issue. Read the full issue here.
