The Glen Ellen pavilion by Terry & Terry Architecture presents a careful orchestration of architectural clarity and atmospheric restraint.
Glen Ellen pavilion offers a crafted connection to landscape and living
The Glen Ellen pavilion by Terry & Terry Architecture presents a careful orchestration of architectural clarity and atmospheric restraint.
Rising from a landscape marked by the aftermath of the 2017 Tubbs fire, the project stands on a site where only the pool and vineyards survived.
The new structure positions itself as a dual-function environment, accommodating wine tasting near the vines and serving as a pool house for the private residence.
Placed slightly off the ridge, both the main house and pool zone maintain a protective relationship with the terrain. The Glen Ellen pavilion extends southward from the residence, securing the pool between the two structures and reinforcing a continuous spatial dialogue.
Its connection to the slope allows the architecture to feel firmly rooted, while basalt stone pavers define most terraces with a measured tactile presence.
Concrete establishes the essential framework, and standing seam metal roofing addresses fire resilience without compromising the architectural profile.
The primary tasting space benefits from cast-in-place concrete masses positioned at the corners, enabling wide openings that create a sense of calm transparency.
This configuration encourages unobstructed views toward Sonoma Valley and portions of Napa Valley, amplifying the experience of the surrounding environment.
Deep roof projections shape broad shaded zones that support comfort throughout the vineyard deck and poolside areas, strengthening the building’s environmental performance.
Inside Glen Ellen pavilion, a compact kitchen bar supports gatherings and wine service, maintaining a precise spatial economy.
The roof incorporates a viewing deck accessed through an open side stair, offering an elevated vantage point that enhances the experiential quality of the estate.
Below, the lower level contains bathrooms, outdoor showers, and a dedicated wine storage room, ensuring functional completeness while preserving the pavilion’s sculptural integrity above.
The project has earned international recognition through awards from the DNA Paris Design Awards and the Built Design Awards.
It has also been named to the Archello Awards 2025 Longlist for Pavilion of the Year, highlighting its architectural rigor and contextual sensitivity. Together, these acknowledgments reinforce the pavilion’s role as a thoughtful addition to the revitalized Glen Ellen estate.
Photo credit: TTA via v2com
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