i
T
he volumetry of this object is pure,
consisting of a horizontal plane and
four vertical mirror walls. On the
terrace created between these planes,
a veritable lookout floating over the
vines, the fifth plane, detached and
horizontal, reflects the existing rooves,
the vines and the horizon. The East and
West façades consist of a concrete veil,
covered in a set of horizontal stainless
steel slats that are polished and lacquered a dark
red colour to remind us that, here, it’s all about
wine.
The slats are progressively angled, all the way down
the facade, with the bottom slats angled upwards,
reflecting the sky, while the slats at the top, angled
progressively downwards, reflect the ground and
the rows of vines. The North façade is transparent,
consisting of a large two-way mirror that reflects
the vines during the day and then reveals the new
fermenting room when night falls. The roofing is a
fine horizontal plate, with the underside made from
the same dark red material as the façades. Upstairs,
a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass walls looks
North over a vast terrace. The terrace floor is
covered in the centre with red glass gravel that you
tread as people once trod grapes. Steps leading
down from the terrace take you to a small balcony
from where you can run your eye unhindered out
over the sea of vines. AD
PROGRAMME: Construction of
a new winery and restaurant;
renovation of the existing reception
area, winery, cellars and private
reception rooms; renovation and
extension of existing agricultural
buildings
LOCATION: Saint-Emilion, France
ARCHITECTS: Ateliers Jean Nouvel
ASSOCIATED ARCHITECTS: Moon
Safari ex-Air Architectes
FLOOR AREA: 3 200m²
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