Trifolium

In the hills of Goriška Brda, between Italy and Slovenia, Trifolium is an organic wine cellar that blends seamlessly into the landscape. Set into the slope, it uses gravity for production while remaining unobtrusive, turning technical simplicity into innovation. Architecture, geology, and viticulture converge to create a space of work, reflection, and culture, defined by simplicity, purity, and sensuality. Trifolium embodies friendship, respect for nature and craft, and a timeless connection between land, wine, and human endeavour.

After years of working with his natural wine, Brda, Kristian Keber had a clear vision of the cellar’s workflow, from harvesting and bringing in the grapes to pressing, bottling, and transportation. Early discussions emphasized simplicity, reduction, restraint toward the exterior, respect for the product and the work, for the landscape and soil. The goal was to use low-tech solutions and achieve energy self-sufficiency. Formal design aspects were initially set aside. The soil emerged as the key element connecting the cultural landscape, the plants, and the cellar. The steep slopes revealed flysch rock, which is small, brittle, and difficult to work with, yet essential to make tangible within the cellar. Reinforcing this fragile rock to be load-bearing required close interdisciplinary collaboration between geologists, architects, and structural engineers, blending technical ingenuity with respect for the land and the wine it produces.

The challenge was to reinforce the fragile flysch rock to make it load-bearing. This was achieved with concrete piles forming horizontal vaults that resist earth pressure, preserve the natural ground as cellar walls, and eliminate the need for a conventional excavation. The design harmonizes production methods, site conditions, and the guiding principles of simplicity, purity, and sensuality. Horizontal and vertical vaults enabled both structural and aesthetic goals, forming three circles that echo the local trefoil, Trifolium. Reduced excavation and integration of existing rock minimized concrete use. Earth cover with proper drainage protects the landscape. Materials - flysch stone, concrete and untreated Corten steel - are used directly and honestly. Concrete provides form and strength, visibly shaped by craftsmanship, while Corten steel, used for the interior finishes, provides a subtle contrast as it is the most delicate material in the Trifolium's robust composition.