ABOUT THIS PROJECT

To bring the architect’s vision of a glass-structured distillery to life, Luckett & Farley provided comprehensive structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and civil engineering services for Rabbit Hole Distillery.

The project involved renovating a 30,000-square-foot warehouse and adding a 13,000-square-foot expansion on the site of the former Disney Tire Company building in Louisville’s Nulu district. The facility features a retail area, second-floor office space, tank rooms, and an open atrium showcasing the beer well, beer still, cooker, doubler, and fermenter tanks. Elevated concrete slab-on-metal deck platforms lead up to a third-floor event space, seamlessly integrating production with hospitality.

Designing a distillery within a highly transparent glass structure presented unique challenges, particularly in managing heat buildup and ensuring the safe handling of highly combustible materials in an urban environment. The design had to account for fluctuating temperatures and direct sunlight exposure, requiring careful planning of ventilation, fire suppression, and thermal control systems to create a safe environment for both production and public tours.

The mechanical system was engineered for energy efficiency, integrating process and comfort conditioning while overcoming the complexities of a production space open to a high-end event area. The system effectively managed heat and moisture from a 24-inch column still, fermenters, and cooker while maintaining comfortable conditions for guests.

Additionally, the project included a new commercial kitchen and a process waste sanitary system tailored for bourbon distillation, ensuring operational efficiency while meeting stringent industry regulations.