The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience

Project Details

Project Description

FROM THE ARCHITECTS:

The new Macallan Distillery will be set into the landscape of the estate that has been responsible for creating the single malt whisky since 1824. The Macallan is already established as one of the most famous whisky makers in the world and wanted a new centre that could reveal the production processes and welcome visitors while remaining sensitive to the beautiful surrounding countryside.

The new building will provide a facility capable of increased production and also allow for easy expansion in years to come. Internally, a series of production cells are arranged in a linear format with an open-plan layout revealing all stages of the process at once. These cells are reflected above the building in the form of a gently undulating roof, formed by a timber gridshell. Grass-covered peaks will rise and fall from The Macallan estate grounds, signalling to approaching visitors the activities housed beneath. Set into the naturally sloping contours of the site, the design makes direct references to ancient Scottish earthworks.

Easter Elchies House – an original 18th century Highland manor house – must remain the primary focus of the estate and so the main access to the new visitor centre will begin near this building. The estate is as important to The Macallan as the buildings that make up the distillery and so a subtle manipulation of the terrain will be used to reveal the built form and control views without appearing forced or overtly grand. The great 18th century garden designers knew the importance of flow and movement in a large landscape; that parks should be experienced on a meandering journey. The new distillery project will celebrate the whisky-making process as well as the landscape that has inspired it, and is due to open to the public in Spring 2018.