concrete walls shape circular 'pictograma' winery around rain-harvesting courtyard in mexico

"In Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe, Rojkind Arquitectos and Amasa Estudio introduce Pictograma, a circular winery designed to streamline wine production while reviving the region's agricultural traditions. The 1,963-square-meter structure also produces olive oil, fragrances, lavender, and citrus. Its radial plan, inspired by the valley's organic contours, arranges the entire production cycle, fermentation, bottling, barrel storage, and tasting rooms around a central courtyard, eliminating unnecessary circulation."

"The building is shaped by twelve trapezoidal concrete walls and vaults, each separating and defining a specific function inside. This clear layout continues into the landscape design, which uses local plants, permeable brick paving, and a sloped facade built from soil taken from the site to connect the winery closely to its surroundings. At the center, the courtyard collects rainwater that runs off the vaults, directing it through channels in the walls so it can seep back into the ground."

"The design by Mexico City-based Rojkind Arquitectos and Amasa Estudio takes inspiration from 16th-century portico structures, using a shaded walkway around the building to encourage natural ventilation and cooling. The project combines traditional methods, such as building with brick vaults, with modern techniques like fiberglass and metal formwork. This mix creates concrete surfaces that feel rooted in historic Franciscan architecture while still appearing contemporary. The use of pigmented concrete also helps the building blend with the natural colors of the valley."

Pictograma is a 1,963-square-meter circular winery in Valle de Guadalupe that streamlines wine production and revives regional agricultural traditions. The radial plan organizes fermentation, bottling, barrel storage, and tasting rooms around a central courtyard to eliminate unnecessary circulation. Twelve trapezoidal concrete walls and vaults separate programmatic functions and shape shaded porticos that promote natural ventilation. Landscape design uses local plants, permeable brick paving, and a sloped facade made from on-site soil to connect the building with the valley. Rainwater is collected from vault runoff and channeled into the ground. The project combines brick vaulting with fiberglass and metal formwork and uses pigmented concrete to harmonize with the landscape. Hospitality amenities link the winery to the Banyan Tree hotel complex and offer panoramic valley views.

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