There’s always something enticing about building a home that is stately and grand, whether in scale or in the design. But Anthony Nazareno, Principal Architect and Designer of Nazareno Architecture + Design, prefers a delicate balance between creating a flashy showstopper and designing a statement piece that bears a quiet confidence. This understated elegance, as […]
Château Pavie Macquin: Winemaking Mixed with the Vernacular
The hills of Saint-Èmilion, France present a movie-like setting with vineyards dotting its landscape. The Château Pavie Macquin, designed by BPM Architectes, carries on this tradition of winemaking as it transforms its historic estate with innovations in operations and sustainability. It embraces the former structure’s vernacular architecture by integrating eco-friendly practices to maintain the condition of the terroir.
Celebrating Viticulture Heritage
Within an agricultural area, the project enjoys a lush green landscape along its surroundings. Outdoor terraces, pathways, and gardens weave throughout the complex. Additionally, mature trees and shrubs further embed the buildings into its natural context.
The Château Pavie Macquin uses its low height and horizontal massing to conform to its terrain. As such, the winery complex appears to grow naturally as it mirrors the nearby slopes, leaving the area’s profile undisturbed.
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Like its former structure, it uses local limestone and clay roof tiles. Old materials are contrasted by newer additions, as per structural needs, that create a compelling narrative of the structure’s evolution. This anchors the buildings to its deep roots amongst the region’s vernacular character. Palettes of light beige and earth tones connect them to the appearance of the surrounding ground and vines.
Working in the Vineyard
Aside from its revamped aesthetics, the renovation of the Château Pavie Macquin also meant upgrading its functionality. Modern architectural standards and new machines elevates the winemaking process. The introduction of stainless steel fermentation tanks, reworked pipes, and catwalks adds an industrial edge to the wine’s production. An open and flexible layout allows for an efficient workflow and adaptability to the various stages of production.
An exposed timber roof, made with traditional construction methods, adds a sense of craftsmanship to these production areas. Furthermore, clerestory windows and skylights introduce quality natural light that retains some connection to the outdoors from within.
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The Barrel Room stands out with its sculptural ceiling finish. Wooden pieces are placed together in a rhythmic pattern that livens up the high ceiling overhead. Underneath, a large boulder stands right at the center. It exudes a sacred-like ambience as the room retains conditions ideal for developing the wine’s flavors.
Sustaining the Wine’s Impact
A major component of the Château Pavie Macquin’s transformation is the introduction of eco-friendly strategies. These interventions greatly reduce the project’s environmental footprint while also optimizing its energy use.
Firstly, thermal inertia of the soil helps maintain the temperature of the surrounding area. Rain harvesting systems conserve water, which is especially important for an agricultural project such as this. The renovation primarily uses locally sourced materials. This practice reduces the emissions caused by transportation while also securing longevity.
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From Soil to Glass
The built environment of the Chateau Pavie Macquin Winery tells the story of the deep roots of winemaking in the region. Its design captures the essence of how the surrounding produce is refined through a craft developed over centuries to produce this delectable beverage.
Read more: The Smart Use of Concrete and Metal Integrates A Wine Company’s HQ into The Surrounding Buildings
Photo credit: 11h45
eatsleepdreamwork is the dissection of artist Lee Paje of how we perceive the act of artistry. The exhibit, which ran at MO_Space in BGC High Street, faces the general ordinariness of actually creating art, moving against grand myths of what artistry means. The artistic process tends to be mythologized in one sense or another when […]
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At its core, architecture has always been about the human experience. While this fundamental purpose can sometimes be overlooked amid the complexities of modern life, a renewed focus on human-first principles is taking hold. This deliberate approach is articulated in the philosophy of Life-Centric Architecture, a mandate championed and put into practice by Terence Yu […]
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Situated in a quiet community in Dumaguete, Casa Diago is a retirement home shaped by tradition, constraint, and climate. Set on a roughly 1,200-square-meter lot populated by mature mango trees, the house enjoys an idyllic setting ideal for slow-paced living. Architect Gaston Pastrano designed the 300-square-meter residence for a retired couple moving back to their […]
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