Bently Heritage Distillery, The Iconic Mill 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, Vodka, Gin and Absinthe. The Mill Building, built in 1908, is the main production facility for fine whiskey and a public space capable of hosting events and tasting rooms. AlfaTech provided mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering and sustainable design for the renovation of this historic space.
The Mill building is a 14,700 SF three-story building with public and private tasting rooms, and retail spaces among the mill’s original timbers and next to a spiral staircase. The structure consists of four, 24’ diameter by 50’ high steel plate silos as well as a 3 stories/ loft/ low basement unreinforced brick masonry structure. The first floor of each distilling silos were conjoined by removing portions of the skin of each silo. Distilling equipment is arranged vertically to enable a gravity fed distilling process. 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 40% reduction in annual energy consumption.
Highlights
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Originally built in 1908, the Mill Building stood as a symbol of Nevada’s agricultural heritage. AlfaTech partnered with Bently Heritage Distillery to revitalize this unreinforced brick masonry structure into a state-of-the-art whiskey distillery while preserving its historic character. The project honored the original architecture—including exposed timber and towering steel silos—blending modern functionality with historic integrity. The revitalized space now includes a tasting room, retail areas, and an event venue that celebrates its industrial past.
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Radiant heating and cooling integrated into floors and ceilings
Low-velocity forced air system for humidity and temperature control
Central plant system housed in the Support Warehouse
High-efficiency LED lighting and smart daylight/occupancy controls
Gravity-fed distillation layout leveraging the building’s verticality
Skylights for natural illumination
Full compliance with ASHRAE 90.1-2007
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LEED Gold Certification with a 40% reduction in annual energy usage
Adaptive reuse of a historic landmark for modern production and tourism
Energy-efficient, quiet, and aesthetically integrated HVAC systems
Creation of an iconic destination that supports local economy and culture
Elevated Bently brand as a leader in sustainable, organic spirits
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AlfaTech's design approach emphasized sustainability, operational efficiency, and architectural preservation. The use of radiant systems and a central plant significantly reduced energy consumption while enhancing comfort. By reimagining the steel silos and using vertical equipment layout, the team enabled a gravity-fed process unique in distillery design. The result is a facility that serves not only as a production hub, but also a model of sustainable innovation and historic preservation.
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Sustainability was central to the Mill Building transformation. AlfaTech implemented high-performance systems and materials to drastically reduce the building's environmental footprint while meeting production and public-use demands.
Key sustainable strategies included:
Radiant Heating & Cooling Systems: Integrated into floors and ceilings, these systems use ~30% less energy than conventional forced air systems and offer enhanced thermal comfort without disrupting the interior aesthetic.
Central Plant Efficiency: A shared mechanical plant located in the Support Warehouse serves the Mill and Creamery buildings, minimizing equipment redundancy and optimizing energy distribution.
Smart Lighting Design: Skylights, daylight-responsive lighting controls, and high-efficiency LEDs reduce energy use and enhance the ambiance of public areas.
Envelope Improvements: A high-performance building façade helps reduce thermal loads, ensuring year-round comfort and reduced HVAC demand.
Gravity-Fed Distillation Layout: Minimizes mechanical pumping requirements by leveraging vertical equipment alignment, reducing energy consumption in daily operations.
These strategies contributed to achieving LEED Gold Certification and supported Bently Heritage Distillery’s commitment to being an environmentally responsible, organic spirits producer.
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