Introducing an eco-friendly, non-mechanical wine storage device perfect for any avid wine collector! This "mini wine cellar" with its passive air flow system uses no electricity to store in excess of 1000 bottles of wine at an optimum temperature and can be installed below ground anywhere in your home. The water tight cylindrical system is installed underground and within a fortnight your wine storage solution is transformed into a chic, modern day wine cellar.
So where should you install your Vine Vortex?
- The Vine Vortex needs a floor area of 2.5m diameter to be installed and a distance of 600mm from the load bearing walls, pending the depth of the existing foundations.
- For optimum performance: the Vine Vortex should not be fitted in a north facing room and the ventilation pipes should be facing South or South West.
- Avoid any heating interference (ie. under floor heating) as this may hinder the passive air flow.
- A pre-site visit will be done before each installation for advise on the location.
- Stores wine in a circular configuration.
- Pre-fabricated watertight cylindrical underground storage system with a diameter of 2.4m and a depth of 2.4m.
- The layered pod can be sunk into an existing room within a home or form part of a proposed structure.
- Heat sealed outer membrane surrounding the pod serves as insulation, and a passive air-flow system to the outside to maintain constant temperature control.
- A five stage component structural system, manually installed by only three people on site.
- It requires no power to maintain the temperature.
- Vine Vortex spiral stair case.
- Vine Vortex glazed access hatch with gas lift hinge for ease of access.
- Passive ventilation pipes fitted in slab to exterior of existing building.
optional extras
- LED lighting.
- Steel staircase treads.
- Solid timber access hatch.
- Alternate finishes can be discussed.
Overview of the installation process:
- Site inspection and briefing.
- Site establishment.
- Excavation.
- Supply of materials.
- After excavation is complete, the cellar will be installed within seven working days.
- Approval certificate from engineer upon completion.
Bettine Burger, Pr. Senior Architectural technologist, registered with Sacap and Cifa architectural bodies will resolve an engineered solution for each project and should there be any structural compromise to the existing structure or impact on the given / proposed Vine Vortex a registered engineer will be commissioned.
access hatches
The floor-level access hatch can be positioned at any point on the centre line of the Vine Vortex. The access hatch is on your left side as you descent into the cellar. Our signature access hatch is the circular glass door consisting of two semi-circular glass panels with a mild steel epoxy coated frame and has two central cross bars. One of the door panels open by means of a manually lifted gas-lift hinge system with a total diameter of 1500mm.
In South Africa planning permission is not required if the structure is placed within the constraints of the existing covered structure, i.e. retrofitted. For retrofit units: a copy of working drawings will go to the owner for re-sale purposes and a courtesy copy to the council.
For a new building the Vine Vortex would need to be included in the original submission of council drawings.
Since wine is an organic product, the correct storage conditions are essential for it to age well.
Of course there are many factors that would affect the wine when it comes to storage, but temperature control is by far the most important. The ideal temperature for storing wine is about 13ºC with a few degrees either way having little effect on the wine itself. Gradual changes in temperature, as would happen in changing seasons, are acceptable. A few other key suggestions to ensure well aged wine are to keep humidity levels up, (to prevent the cork dehydrating), store in a dark place and to store bottles horizontally.
So while many wine storage solutions are available few give wine the exact environment that it needs, that is, until The Vine Vortex system!
The simple vent system pipes lead outdoors, allowing for warm, stale air removal.
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The excavation of the hole will take 2 -3 days and the remainder of the installation 7 days.
2. Can I have it installed any where?Most locations in the home will be possible; however, only at a pre-site inspection will we be able to confirm this. Ideally, the Vine Vortex should not be fitted in a north facing room and the ventilation pipes should be facing South or South West and avoid any heating interference (ie. under floor heating) as this may hinder the passive air flow.
3. How many bottles of wine will it hold?In excess of 1000 bottles.
4. Can I have lights installed in the unit?Yes. (Cool light so as to not raise the temperature).
5. Can I decide on my own finishes?Certain optional finishes can be decided upon, such as the access hatch, lighting and tread finishes.
6. Do you have your own preferred contractors for installations?Yes.
7. Do I need to have planning permission from the council?In a retrofit, no. No plans are required if it is under an existing structure.
8. What are the payment terms?50% deposit on briefing and acceptance of quote and conditions. 25% when spiral staircase is installed and the remainder 25% upon completion. Payment can be cash or an EFT.
9. How far in advance do I need to book?At the moment 4 – 6 weeks in advance is sufficient. Requests and requirements to be agreed upon prior to commencement.
10. Are you insured?Yes.
11. What are the first steps I need to take?Book a pre-site visit. Confirm installation by signing contract and paying deposit. Confirm date for installation.
12. Do houses in gated villages need permission from the body corporate?No, it would be a case of informing the gate staff that contractors will be entering the premises, a bit like having new tiles laid or cabinets installed, so a courtesy letter should suffice.
13. Will our summers not be too hot for the wine?No, the ambient ground temperature should assist in maintaining a stable environment.
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For more information please email Lindsay or Tina at info@vinevortex.co.za or call 083 231 5167 or 084 440 6990. Vine Vortex offices based in Somerset West with supervision of a nominated contractor in Kwazulu Natal as well as the Gauteng region. (Outsourced transportation will be commissioned) Physical address: |
Vine Vortex is a proudly South African registered company. The owner, Lindsay Mitchell, together with Bettine Burger, is passionate about the Vine Vortex concept and excited to bring the Vine Vortex storage system to as many homes as possible through South Africa. A powerful team that prides it's self in working neatly and efficiently.
Lindsay Mitchell (B.Econ. MBA) & Bettine Burger (PrSArchT)
