The new building for Wild Hops Brewery. The wooden architecture of small-scale factories

Abstract

The thesis aims to create an example design of a small-scale food production factory to demonstrate a personalized architectural approach to spaces with strict functional organization and technical requirements. The objective of the design work is a new building for the Wild Hops Brewery company in Russia. Located in the typical countryside of the Ural region, the factory resides in a former bar building, which does not satisfy the production needs anymore. Thus, this thesis proposes the improved functionality, materiality, and communication with the context of the building and its area. The primary construction for the design is wood, which reflects both localism and the crafty character of the company.

As a background for the work, the brewing process is explained with the illustrative material on equipment. The environmental issues and possibilities of the industry are discussed. The part of the research is dedicated to the cultural and social phenomena of beer. The functional and flow analysis of the current situation led to a flexible plan solution with the production space placed in the center, exposed to the rest of the functions and public as an exhibition hall. The circulation of raw materials, ready products, staff, and the visitors’ experience were considered during the design process.

The load-bearing constructions of the new building are glulam columns and trusses, wooden supporting joists, and purlins. The partitions are lightweight wooden frame constructions, with finishings of tiles, wood, and gypsum boards.

The result is a barn-like structure with a developed functional program, optimal spatial organization, and architectural qualities reflecting on the local context, brand’s image, and stimulating community life.