Building performance is a hot topic among design and construction professionals. This buzz phrase refers to a comprehensive approach in seeking solutions for saving energy, improving end-user comfort and reducing operational or maintenance costs.  Building performance initiatives focus on facility systems that support operational facilities. The key goals are sustainability and optimal performance throughout the structure’s lifetime.  It can be argued that a wine cave, by nature, defines building performance.

Duckhorn Wine Company has set the standard for American fine wine for almost four decades. Today, our Duckhorn family includes Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration, Decoy and Canvasback. In a number of ways, meeting our business goals for growth requires partnering together with insightful and trustworthy general contractors and tradespeople on wine facility expansion projects. More specifically, engaging reliable building professionals on one or more short-term projects is mission critical to a project’s success in terms of cost, quality, and efficiency.

When you think of country clubs, what comes to mind?  Are you thinking of how your parents or grandparents would spend their leisure time? For most of us, this is the case.  Unfortunately, the country clubs of days past do not really appeal to today’s business person. While there is interest in going to private country clubs, the next generation members are looking for an environment that better addresses their needs.

Building with concrete is nothing new. In existence for over 12 million years, it has historical significance.  You’ll find Romans built numerous concrete structures, including the Pantheon. Today, concrete is ubiquitous. This composite material consists of fine and course aggregate bonded by cement and water that hardens over time.  Concrete is chosen for its strength and aesthetic, characteristics particularly attractive for homeowners looking for a resilient dwelling.  This Nordby Effect post discusses things to consider when designing and building a concrete home.

You could say an underground wine cave is Earth’s answer to the wine fridge. Varying in size and use, these spaces are intriguing and, more importantly, practical for wine aging and storage. Wine caves are not new. For hundreds of years, people have used these spaces to store wine for reasons that are just as relevant today. This post covers six persuasive and practical reasons why wineries should seriously consider storing wine in a cave.

If you’ve visited the Brown Estate Winery, you know that it is a worthwhile trek. Unfortunately, the winery’s remote location does not make it easily accessible to all visitors. Very aware of the situation, the Brown Estate Winery did not want to turn anyone away and found the best way to solve the problem was to provide a more centralized Napa destination to offer wine tastings as well as a more convenient location for patrons, visitors and employees. This Nordby Effect post discusses the new Brown Estate Tasting Room, an urban wine oasis located in downtown Napa.

A natural disaster can arrive at your doorstep at any time in a number of ways: an earthquake can shake your home’s very foundation, a power line can spark a fire that burns down your home, an old tree may fall on your roof after a very windy rainstorm. These events are unpredictable and the road to recovery will start with your homeowner’s insurance policy. The language will ultimately determine your path forward.

Taking a journey into the earth is a "boring" adventure.

Before you read this post, you should know that this story is not subterranean fiction. There is a lot of truth to this story. If you are afraid of large sharp teeth or dark spaces, we advise you to go back to your regular work day - do NOT read any further. Simply exit this page. We’ll catch you on the next post. However, if you have a sense of adventure, embrace natural hazards, and have a curious mind, then we hope you will join us on our journey into the earth.

The past two weeks have left us speechless. The ravages of wildfire have touched just about every corner of our beloved home. As we come out of our state of shock, there is a natural desire to get back to a state of normalcy. As builders for our community, we believe we play a critical role in helping our community to get back to the life we once knew through rebuilding efforts.

When it comes to restaurant design and construction projects, it’s not Shane McAnelly’s first rodeo. As the executive chef of Chalkboard in Healdsburg, Shane has a good sense of what is required to design and build restaurant spaces. With the prospect of opening another local restaurant on the horizon, Shane was very hands-on throughout all project phases of Brass Rabbit.