Kentucky’s purveyor of Bourbon Blue Run spirits has revealed plans to build a new Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)-designed headquarters and distillery in Georgetown. The striking building is defined by a twisted form inspired by local springs, with a focus on natural light and solar power to reduce grid-based energy demand.
Dubbed Meander, the project is centered around a 35,000-square-foot (approximately 3,250-square-meter) main building that includes the distillery and headquarters, along with a 20,000-square-foot (1,850-square-meter) storage warehouse. A barrel of aged whiskey.
Its overall design is meant to evoke a circuitous journey through the limestone-rich Royal Springs. Its sloping roofline wraps around trees and water features and features large glazing to maximize the daylight inside. There will also be significant landscaping surrounding the building, including a large amphitheater and walkways.
Additionally, at least a portion of Meander’s electricity is supplied from solar shingles, which offer the benefits of solar panels but resemble traditional roofing materials. BIG has taken a similar approach to solar power in collaboration with his Heatherwick Studio at Google headquarters.
BIG/Blue Lance Spirits
Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG, said, “At Blue Run, we’ve boiled down the entire process of whiskey making into one linear sequence, from distillation to aging to bottling.” , meanders along a gentle hillside, creating winding banks, coves and vistas, and a single shingled roof made of solar tiles ensures that activity below requires grandeur and intimacy. Even when the It is shaped.”
Meander is expected to begin construction in 2023 and open for business in 2025.
Source: BIG
