Mill Renovation and Winery Construction
In the agricultural era, mills were central to economic production, deeply intertwined with local development. Across many cultures, mills symbolized the industriousness of rural life. Typically located at the heart of villages or towns, they served as hubs for community gatherings and exchanges. Building on this historical significance, the Sarzeau municipal government envisioned transforming this mill into a functional space for winemakers. The project aims to integrate the design harmoniously with the surrounding environment of the historic mill while creating a cultural space connected to agricultural activity. Standing like a lighthouse at the core of a 6-hectare vineyard, the mill anchors the landscape. Due to limited available land, the winery had to be constructed adjacent to the mill.
The architectural team proposed a semi-buried circular structure wrapping around the renovated mill, creating a dual-purpose space: a tranquil environment for wine maturation and a welcoming venue for sharing and tasting. The design introduces a deliberate contrast between the building’s two sides. On the east, a solid wall encloses the winery, forming its primary façade while modestly grounding the mill with a new "base" that integrates seamlessly with the landscape. On the west, the structure opens up to the natural surroundings, with two extended “wings” guiding visitors toward the entrance. This design encourages guests to gather in the landscaped courtyard, a space designed for outdoor events and wine tastings.
This interplay of contrasts continues in the differentiation between the building’s interior and exterior. Internally, the winery’s technical essence is highlighted through an industrial aesthetic, with exposed brick, concrete, and visible pipework showcasing the functional nature of winemaking. Externally, however, the design takes on a softer, more artisanal approach. The façade is finished with a bespoke plaster created specifically for this project, infused with shell fragments that enhance its connection to the surrounding natural environment and evoke the site's proximity to the ocean.
Although the vineyard currently spans 6 hectares, the building is designed to support operations for over 10 hectares in the future. The fermentation area is already equipped with ample space to accommodate this anticipated growth. The winery’s layout ensures an efficient workflow, guiding the process from harvesting in the north to bottling in the south. The semi-buried design utilizes geothermal energy and gravity flow principles, streamlining the pressing process during harvest and providing stable temperatures in the cellar through natural thermal insulation. The layered design also enriches the visitor experience. Guests can observe the winemaking process as they move around the mill without interfering with the winemakers’ work on the lower level. This thoughtful integration of design and environment fosters a harmonious relationship between culture, agriculture, and the creative use of natural resources, exemplifying a forward-thinking approach to sustainable architecture.
