A tale of architectural brilliance, natural integration, and sensory immersion in rural France.
JSPA Design conceptualized, Winery Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a multi-faceted project in a predominantly rural and agricultural area of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France. The goal of the project was to create a wine cellar, extend an existing winery to increase its production capacity, establish a shop, and develop new public event spaces.
According to Johan Sarvan, Founder of JSPA Design in Beijing the design process was driven by the idea of integrating the existing architecture and the new extension to create a coherent whole in terms of scale and architectural form and typology
The compacted earth walls, a traditional material but with a resolutely contemporary style, allowed the building to integrate perfectly into the landscape and reinforced the feeling of connection with the site. The material also offered very good thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
The various functions of the program were divided into four distinct volumes which revolved around a central patio. This fragmented architecture created a coherent scale with the surrounding typologies, allowing the project to further integrate into the village. The connection between the old and the new was only ensured by an underground link, which made it possible to juxtapose the existing and the new without them coming into contact with each other.
Water circulation in the building was also one of the drivers of the project. Cantilevered structures directed rainwater absorbed by the green roofs to a central patio pool where it was collected. Narrow slits at the contours of the patio allowed excess water to drain to the underground wine cellar, reaching the lower level where a cistern eventually collected it for future use. Through natural evaporation, the water tank provided the level of humidity required for proper conservation of the wine throughout the year.
The atmosphere of the space was an important aspect that was carefully considered, and the wine cellar itself was located underground to benefit from a consistent temperature. The cellar was illuminated by streams of natural light entering through fine openings in the slab, generating sequences of shadow and light that created a sense of depth and mystery.
“When visitors step into the cellar, they are transported into a world of sensory experiences, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of winemaking combine to create an immersive experience,” said Florent Buis, Partner at JSPA Design.
With Winery Châteauneuf-du-Pape, JSPA Design not only conceptualized a space but crafted an indelible narrative that intertwines architecture, nature, and human sensation into an unforgettable story of design excellence.
Photo Credit : JSPA Design
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