Rammed Earth Winery: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Rammed Earth Winery: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
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Project Data

Client: Les Terres Blanches
Status: Concept design
Construction date: Beginning 2024
Construction area: 3,400 sqm
Architecture design: JSPA Design
Interior design: JSPA Design
Landscape architecture: JSPA Design

The Vision Behind the Design

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, a remarkable project came to life. This ambitious venture aimed to do more than just create a wine cellar; it sought to expand an existing winery, establish a shop, and craft new public event spaces. Leading this architectural marvel was the renowned JSPA Design, a name synonymous with innovation and creativity.

A Seamless Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Johan Sarvan, the visionary founder of JSPA Design in Beijing, provided insights into the design process. The central concept was to create a harmonious relationship between the existing architecture and the new extension while maintaining a unified identity in terms of scale and architectural style.

What truly sets this winery apart is its choice of material: compacted earth walls. Rooted in tradition yet exuding contemporary flair, these walls enable the structure to seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape. Moreover, they offer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, ensuring a comfortable environment within.

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A Design Divided into Four Distinct Volumes

The various functions of the project are ingeniously divided into four separate volumes, all converging around a captivating central patio. This fragmented approach not only adds character to the architecture but also seamlessly integrates the winery with the surrounding village. Remarkably, the old and new structures never physically touch, connected solely by an underground link.

Innovative Water Management and Atmosphere

The winery‘s relationship with water goes beyond functionality; it’s an art form. Cantilevered structures skillfully guide rainwater from the green roofs to a central patio pool, where it’s collected. Excess water finds its way to the underground wine cellar, where a cistern stores it for future use, maintaining the ideal humidity for wine preservation.

Exploring the underground wine cellar is a mesmerizing experience. Natural light gently filters through delicate openings in the ceiling, creating a mesmerizing interplay of shadows and light that adds depth and mystery to the space. Florent Buis, a partner at JSPA Design, describes it as a sensory journey where visitors are immersed in the world of winemaking, with sights, sounds, and aromas enveloping them.

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Conclusion

The Rammed Earth Winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape transcends the role of a mere wine storage facility; it stands as an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly merges tradition and modernity. JSPA Design‘s visionary approach, combining various materials, ingenious spatial organization, and innovative water management, makes this winery a true gem in the heart of the French countryside. As it prepares to come to life in 2024, it promises to be a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human creativity and the natural beauty of the surroundings.

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