Rebuilding in Sonoma: A Pavilion that Merges Wine, Landscape, and Renewal

Set amid the rolling vineyards of Glen Ellen, California, this minimalist pavilion by Terry & Terry Architecture serves a dual purpose — as a serene wine-tasting retreat and as a pool house for a private residence. The project carries a poignant history: in 2017, the estate was completely destroyed by the Tubbs Fire, one of California’s most devastating wildfires. Only the pool and surrounding vineyards survived. Today, the new structure stands as both a celebration of landscape and a testament to resilience.

Detail of roof at pool side.
Photo credit: TTA

Northwest side view
Photo credit: TTA

Perched on the eastern ridge of Glen Ellen, the site commands sweeping views across Sonoma Valley and toward parts of Napa Valley. The new main house and pool area were carefully positioned just off the ridge to offer protection from harsh winds and sun exposure. Extending southward from the main residence, the pavilion anchors the outdoor space, linking the architecture with the natural contours of the hillside.

Detail of roof connection to concrete wall
Photo credit: TTA

Detail of vineyard side deck
Photo credit: TTA

The design embraces the terrain’s gentle slope, integrating seamlessly into its setting. Terraces are finished with basalt stone pavers, while the structural frame is made of concrete and topped with standing seam metal roofs — a deliberate choice to reduce fire risk. Every material decision reflects both aesthetic intent and environmental pragmatism.

View looking toward Napa valley through pavilion
Photo credit: TTA

Concrete column detail
Photo credit: TTA

The pavilion’s form is sculpted from cast-in-place concrete, with solid masses at the corners that frame expansive open areas. This strategy enhances both spatial transparency and the sense of connection to the surrounding vineyards. Deep roof overhangs shade the pool deck and tasting terrace, creating comfortable, naturally cooled outdoor zones that blur the line between inside and out.

Deck overlooking vineyards and Sonoma valley beyond
Photo credit: TTA

Inside, a compact kitchen bar allows for intimate wine tastings, while the roof incorporates a built-in viewing deck accessed by an open side stair — an invitation to pause and take in the valley views. Below, the lower level accommodates essential amenities, including bathrooms, outdoor showers, and a temperature-controlled wine storage area.

The result is a restrained yet expressive structure that harmonizes with its environment rather than dominating it. More than a functional outbuilding, the pavilion operates as an experiential threshold — between domestic life and cultivated nature, between ruin and renewal.

The project has received international recognition, earning honors from the DNA Paris Design Awards and the BLT Built Design Awards, and has been longlisted for the 2025 Archello Awards in the Pavilion of the Year category.

Through thoughtful design and material honesty, this Sonoma pavilion transforms tragedy into a narrative of recovery, craft, and quiet beauty — a reminder that even after destruction, architecture can reimagine what it means to dwell in harmony with the land.

Terry & Terry Architecture

Terry & Terry Architecture focuses on its ability to combine innovative architectural theory and practice. The firm has explored design concepts that range from private alternative homes to urban design in collaboration with other design professionals. In an attempt to improve the built environment, Terry & Terry Architecture has engaged in investigations of several concepts in future infrastructures that integrate architecture and urban planning.