Bently Heritage Distillery - Iconic Creamery Building
Details
Location:
Minden, NV
Architect:
Van Woert Bigotti Architecture
Category:
Advanced Technology
Manufacturing
Hospitality
Photography:
Bently Heritage LLC
Certification:
LEED Gold
Description
Bently Heritage Distillery developed the Old Mill District into a state-of-the-art distillery for high grade whisky and spirits. The existing Creamery Building was demolished with the exception of the historic brick façade. AlfaTech provided mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering and sustainable design for the renovation of this historic space.
The renovated building has variable ceiling heights up to 34.5’ high. It houses a small public area, tasting rooms, restrooms, prep kitchen, and a second distillery operation for malting of grains, production of neutral spirits, storage and support functions, bottling, packaging and loading. The building responds to the various specific conditions required for the equipment it houses. A variety of conditions exist, including open spaces with natural light and natural ventilation, enclosed high-fire hazard rooms, and tall spaces to house column-stills. The facility’s overall design – which includes skylights, high efficiency LEDs, and lighting controls (both occupancy sensors and daylight controls) – has been designed to comply with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007, resulting in a 30% reduction in annual energy consumption.
Highlights
-
Originally part of Minden’s Old Mill District, the Creamery Building was carefully deconstructed, preserving its historic brick façade. This adaptive reuse project honors the region’s industrial heritage while reimagining the structure for a modern purpose—producing fine spirits such as Vodka, Gin, and Absinthe. The design retained authentic architectural elements while introducing contemporary interventions for both functionality and aesthetics.
-
Central utility plant with radiant floor and ceiling systems
Low-velocity forced air distribution for humidity and temperature control
Skylights for natural daylighting
High-efficiency LED lighting with occupancy and daylight sensors
Custom HVAC systems designed for fire hazard areas and high-ceiling column-still spaces
Specialty MEP systems for distillation, malting, and bottling operations
-
The renovated Creamery is a fully operational distillery featuring:
Tasting rooms and a public hospitality area
Dedicated spaces for malting, packaging, and bottling
Vertical process flow to enhance production efficiency
Seamless integration of public and industrial uses
Compliance with ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and a 30% reduction in energy use
Recipient of the 2019 AIA Honor Award
-
A unique aspect of the Creamery’s design was the careful accommodation of varying program needs—from open, naturally ventilated tasting spaces to enclosed, high-hazard distilling zones. AlfaTech's systems design allowed for quiet, energy-efficient, and visually discreet comfort conditioning through radiant systems and strategic equipment placement. Integration with the Support Warehouse’s central plant also contributed to operational efficiency and space optimization.
-
AlfaTech’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the Creamery’s design. The project leverages radiant heating and cooling, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional HVAC systems. Advanced daylighting and lighting control strategies reduce artificial lighting demands, and systems were specified to align with LEED Gold standards. The adaptive reuse of the historic brick façade minimized construction waste and embodied carbon impact, while the central plant approach optimized energy performance across multiple buildings.
Featured Projects
