The agricultural estate Marof, in eastern Slovenia, has been in existence for well over a century. A complete renovation of the manor house, under the supervision of the Institute for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage, has restored it to its original stately condition. The former outbuildings have been replaced with new structures, including the new winery, which produces the new Marof wine.

Nestled in 40 hectares of vineyards, the winery echoes the topography. Its volume subordinates itself to the manor house and the majestic linden tree that stands as a kind of a buffer between the two buildings. Although the barn-like architecture of the new building forms a counterpoint to the eclectic neo-classical manor house, the two contrasting structures nevertheless relate to each other through their materials, most notably the twin use of burnt ceramic roof tiles on pitched roofs.

The new building also responds to its wider environment and references the pattern of upright supports that hold the vines in place. This is subtly echoed in the play of delicate vertical strips of Swisspearl panels in shades of brown and beige along the long horizontal facade.

Sculpting the landscape has allowed the accommodation of various subterranean spaces, including the grape press, storerooms where the wine barrels are kept and the wine matures, a laboratory and a bottle filling station. The surrounding mass of earth helps to maintain a constant temperature of 14º C. The visible part of the building holds the glazed reception area, which overlooks the surrounding vineyards, and the wine tasting area.