Torbreck at Hillside | S2 Architects

Torbreck at Hillside | S2 Architects | Photographer: Pete Thornton

2025 National Architecture Awards Program

Torbreck at Hillside | S2 Architects

Traditional Land Owners

Peramangk

Year
2025
Chapter

South Australia

Category
Commercial Architecture
Builder
Structural Concepts Australia
Photographer
Pete Thornton
Media summary

Torbreck’s Hillside Vineyard and Winery, one of the Barossa Valley’s oldest wineries, has been transformed from a derelict site into a luxury retreat that preserves its rich heritage while embracing modern innovation. Designed by S2 Architects, the project enhances South Australian wine tourism by offering immersive experiences that celebrate the site’s history and Torbreck’s globally recognised brand.

Through a sensitive architectural response, the design retains the ironstone buildings and natural landscape, blending them with contemporary elements that reinforce Torbreck’s bold and elegant identity. The retreat caters to high-net-worth guests and exclusive events, creating a seamless fusion of heritage and high-end hospitality. The project was realised through a collaborative effort with builder, engineers and artist, ensuring minimal intervention, adaptive reuse, and elegance.

By balancing authenticity, functionality, and financial sustainability, Torbreck’s Hillside location is now a premier destination, strengthening the region’s cultural and economic landscape while securing its legacy for future generations.

The design has allowed us to utilise the heritage listed buildings to share the stories of the Barossa’s rich winemaking heritage by immersing visitors into an authentic experience though wine tasting experiences, tours, events and accommodation.

Rather than just being a static ‘museum’ the venue has been transformed into a living and usable space, sensitively blending modern elements alongside the historical buildings, that also meets the premium and luxury positioning of the Torbreck brand.

The result is a premium venue which emphasises both the Torbreck and Barossa story to our guests.

Project Practice Team

Amy Smedley, Design Architect
Daniel Smedley, Project Architect
Darren Noble, Drafter

Project Consultant and Construction Team

Meinhardt Australia, Services Consultant
Gama Consulting, Structural Engineer
BCA Concepts, Building Surveyor
Adelaide Planning + Development Solutions, Town Planner
What Pete Shot, Artist
Mister Lincoln, Furniture Supplier
Rider Levett Bucknall, Quantity Surveyor
CIRQA, Traffic Engineer

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