Set against the rolling vineyards of Hungary’s Tokaj wine region, the new Sauska Winery is as much a sculptural landmark as it is a working estate. Designed by Bord Architectural Studio, the striking form rises like two floating bowls above the landscape— an architectural gesture that is both futuristic and pays homage to its bucolic surroundings. Inside, the vision continues with interiors by Tihany Design, where organic materials and fluid forms channel the rhythms of the surrounding terrain.
The spaces invite visitors on a sensory journey: from the luminous horseshoe-shaped bar to the terrace overlooking the vines, down to the cellar where winemaking traditions unfold. Engulfing guests in folds of oak, stone, glass, and metal creates an atmosphere that is at once warm, innovative and cinematic.
In conversation with DNN, Alessia Genova, managing partner at Tihany Design, reflects on what it means to design the “winery of the future.” She shares how risk, restraint, and reverence for the Tokaj landscape guided her team in crafting an interior language that matches the boldness of the architecture while celebrating the vineyard’s enduring spirit.
Inside the winery of the future
DNN: How do you personally define futurism in interior design, and what does it look like in practice?
AG: To me, futurism in interior design is less about predicting what’s next and more about embracing innovation through form, material, and experience. It often draws inspiration from disciplines where forward-thinking design is inherent—automotive design, aerospace, and yacht construction, for example.
These worlds inform a vocabulary of sleek silhouettes, aerodynamic lines, and advanced materials that, when translated into interiors, evoke a sense of movement and modernity. In practice, this might mean sculptural furniture, high-performance finishes, or a spatial narrative that feels cinematic and intentional, pushing beyond trends to imagine something both timeless and visionary.
DNN: In what ways did the sculptural architecture inspire a futuristic interior language, and where did you intentionally contrast or subvert it?
AG: The interiors fully embrace the sculptural, futuristic spirit of the architecture—mirroring its flowing forms and bold presence through curvilinear furnishings and organic materials. Rather than compete, the design amplifies the building’s language from within, creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out. At the same time, we introduced subtle contrasts—orthogonal elements, tactile finishes, and moments of calm—to ground the experience. This interplay creates a balance between innovation and warmth, spectacle and intimacy, allowing the spaces to feel both elevated and rooted in the guest journey.
DNN: Your material and spatial choices (organic wood, mirrored glass, liquid metal) are very cinematic. Can you walk us through the sensory narrative you wanted to create?
AG: From the beginning, we wanted the interiors to unfold like a sensory journey —layered, immersive, and slightly surreal. The use of organic wood brings warmth and grounding, while mirrored glass and liquid metal introduce reflection, distortion, and a sense of movement. These materials aren’t just decorative — they heighten perception, playing with light and perspective to evoke curiosity and emotion.
Spatially, we conceived the winery as a series of experiential moments: entering through a sculptural reception, flowing into a glowing horseshoe-shaped bar, and eventually discovering quieter, contemplative areas like the sunken garden. Much like cinema, the design moves between intensity and stillness, always engaging the senses while leaving space for personal interpretation.
DNN: The bar, restaurant, and cellar each have distinct personalities but read as one experience. How did you orchestrate that spatial cohesion?
AG: Cohesion was achieved by treating the entire interior as a continuous narrative— each space with its own character, yet linked through a shared vocabulary of materials, forms, and light. Curved lines, warm oak, and a palette of mineral-inspired tones flow from one area to the next, creating a sense of movement and visual continuity.
Taking design risks
DNN: What role does risk play in your design process?
AG: Risk is essential — it’s where creativity lives. In every project, we seek to challenge assumptions, whether through unexpected material pairings, unconventional spatial gestures, or bespoke craftsmanship that pushes technical limits. At Sauska Winery, risk meant embracing a bold architectural language and allowing the interiors to meet it with equal ambition, without becoming theatrical.
But risk is never reckless. It’s calculated, rooted in a deep understanding of function, context, and emotion. When done right, it leads to spaces that surprise, resonate, and ultimately feel unforgettable.
The Hungarian landscape
DNN: What elements of the Tokaj landscape informed your design choices?
AG: The Tokaj landscape — its rolling vineyards, mineral-rich soil, and shifting light— was a constant reference. We translated its organic richness into the interior through warm oak, earthy tones, and tactile textures that echo the natural palette. The use of curved forms and reflective surfaces captures the fluidity of the terrain and the ever-changing atmosphere of the region. More than a backdrop, the landscape shaped the mood and materiality of the space, grounding the futuristic architecture in a deep sense of place.
DNN: Speaking about design landscape more broadly: What is something you’d love to see more of? Or something new that is inspiring you right now?
AG: What continues to inspire me is design that feels rooted in place — work that doesn’t just sit on the land, but emerges from it. I’m drawn to projects that go beyond surface beauty to reflect the culture, landscape, and quiet identity of where they belong. There’s a power in restraint, in spaces that tell a story without shouting. I’d love to see more of that kind of authenticity — design that invites reflection, feels inevitable in its context, and grows more meaningful with time.
Click to learn more about Tihany Design here, or the winery here. | Photos by Hufton+Crow
