In March 2026, the
Albeisa Consortium reached out to us again with a new request:
to redesign the spaces at its Alba headquarters to place even greater emphasis on showcasing its iconic bottles.
Following our initial project, this new
initiative—involving the design and creation of custom furniture —was developed directly with the client, without any intermediaries. It was a true collaborative effort, built on an understanding of the space, mutual trust, and the ability to transform an existing environment without altering its identity.
The goal was clear:
to increase the exhibition space dedicated to wine by replacing the area previously used for merchandise with new display solutions, spread across the ground floor and basement.
The result is a project in which every element has been designed to complement the architecture and the existing furnishings, maintaining continuity in materials, colors, and construction details.
Custom Design: Every Centimeter Becomes Display Space
The ground floor was redesigned through targeted adjustments to the existing layout with the goal of making the most of every available centimeter.
Three new custom-built shelving units were designed and built, all the same height—tailored to the dimensions of the bottles—but with different lengths to fit perfectly onto the existing bases. Two modules rest on the fan-coil unit covers, while the third integrates with a three-door storage unit.
Behind this seemingly simple solution lies significant technical work. The existing bases were disassembled and
reinforced internally with wooden slats so they could safely support the weight of the bottles and ensure the stability of the entire system.
Hidden Hardware and Technical Details
One of the distinctive features of the project is the effort to make the
hardware as invisible as possible. To avoid traditional exposed shelf supports, the shelves were machined with an
internal recess that allows them to slot directly onto the internal structural slats. The choice of the shelving back panel also stemmed from a technical necessity. Although the initial design did not call for it, load-bearing requirements made it necessary to include one.
To minimize its visual impact,
lacquered MDF was used
in the same color as the wall, with a particularly matte finish achieved through a specific roller-coating process. The result replicates a texture similar to that of the wall and allows the structure to blend visually into the space.
Each shelving unit is also divided by a
central divider consisting of four elements set slightly back from the front edge. This seemingly minor detail is carefully designed to make the divider nearly invisible once the bottles are displayed.
A large iron structure that blends industrial design with functionality
The new focal point on the ground floor is a
large, four-story iron display structure designed to echo the style of the existing structure surrounding the pillar in the tasting area. Crafted by our
trusted metalworker, the structure combines a strong sense of texture and industrial aesthetics with a specific display and organizational function. Two rows of glass holders, each consisting of 12 rails, can accommodate a total of
48 glasses. This solution serves two purposes simultaneously: it conceals the glass-washing area from view and enhances the customer-facing side.
At the back, a
continuous metal back panel also allows for a row of bottles to be placed along the entire length of the shelves, transforming the structure into a true display element. Particular attention was also paid to the ironwork. To maintain continuity with the existing structure,
the effect of ground and chamfered welds was replicated: the joints are flattened and smoothed, eliminating the raised weld bead while keeping the marks of mechanical processing visible.
The result thus retains the industrial, authentic, and textured look the client was seeking.
Stability and Integration in Architecture
The structure, characterized by a particularly narrow base and considerable weight, was also
anchored to the ceiling. The fastening system was integrated using wooden anchors, which were subsequently concealed by a
black laminate trim designed to eliminate the color contrast and maintain a clean overall appearance.
Once again, a technical element becomes an integral part of the interior design project.
A corner cabinet designed down to the centimeter
To complete the ground floor, a
custom-made corner open cabinet was installed, designed to make the most of a particularly challenging section of the space. Its proximity to a tasting table made it necessary to strike a balance between
maximum display capacity and the flow of movement. The solution was to round off the front corners of the structure, eliminating overly sharp edges and making the piece blend more naturally into the space.
The result is a custom-made piece of furniture featuring five spacious shelves designed exclusively for displaying bottles.
The Basement: New Designs to Showcase Wine
The basement, designed for more technical tastings, also underwent a major renovation to
optimize the existing space and furnishings. A
three-door storage unit was installed beneath the large window, featuring a dove-gray melamine-faced front and a frame made
of three-ply old fir.
This choice of materials creates continuity with the multifunctional cabinet already installed on the adjacent wall.
The renovation also involved
technically repositioning the last module of the existing cabinet along with its corresponding niche and shelves. This modification made it possible to create a new arrangement featuring an
open niche designed to house a painting depicting the iconic Albeisa bottle.
The niche was further enhanced by an
LED strip installed at the top to create a play of light and shadow and give the element greater depth.
Already during the design phase, the technical department had incorporated the necessary
cable channels into the structure, allowing the lighting system to be integrated without compromising the clean aesthetic of the furniture.
Restore, Adapt, Integrate: Continuity with the Existing Structure
One of the most interesting aspects of the project was the work of
integrating the old with the new. In the space between the existing cabinetry and the new addition, the two sections were connected using a shelf salvaged from the upper floor and a second shelf built from scratch, both made
of three-ply old fir. The two surfaces were positioned at the appropriate height to serve as practical surfaces for placing items and displaying them during tastings.
It is precisely in these seemingly small details that the essence
of custom furniture emerges: not simply adding new pieces, but designing solutions capable of adapting to what already exists.
Materials, Colors, and Finishes: Designing for Continuity
The materials and color scheme played a fundamental role in the design. To maintain continuity with the initial renovation, the
same type of wood aging was used, making elements created at different times indistinguishable to the eye. The new shelving units were crafted from
dove-gray lacquered MDF, while the shelves made of three-ply aged fir introduce a warmer, more textural element.
The project thus demonstrates how materials, finishes, and construction details can become essential tools for maintaining the coherence of a space’s identity, even as its needs change over time.
From design to completion: a project built together
This second project for the
Albeisa Consortium represents the natural evolution of a journey that began some time ago.
It is not simply a matter of supplying furniture, but rather a
custom design and construction project developed based on the client’s specific needs and an in-depth understanding of the space. From shelving to iron structures, from internal reinforcements to concealed hardware, right down to the selection of finishes and lighting, every element was carefully considered to achieve a specific goal:
to showcase the wine while preserving the identity of the space.
This is our vision of custom design: combining
design, technical expertise, production, and attention to detail to transform specific needs into concrete, functional solutions that are consistent with the architecture.
Special thanks to the
Albeisa Consortium for renewing their trust in us, and to our designer
Silvia Marassi for seamlessly integrating the new modules and steel structures into a fluid and welcoming layout. Thanks also to all our local partners and suppliers who contributed to the completion of this project.
Because a space dedicated to wine isn't just about a product—it's about culture, the local area, camaraderie, and identity.
