The Nouveau Chai is a new building for the production of both red and white wine, which extends from the eastern wing of the early nineteenth century complex, balancing the overall composition.
Its highly flexible, open enclosure is shaped by the different winemaking processes and includes a new research and development centre. In its simplicity, the architecture reinterprets the region’s vernacular of tiled roofs and harmonises with the estate’s existing industrial buildings – the new building has a pitched roof at the same level, supported by tree-shaped load bearing columns and punctuated by light wells. The innovative structural solution was the result of teamwork between engineers and architects within the practice.
Located in the north of the site, the 640-square-metre Orangery – the oldest structure on the estate – has been completely refurbished. Over time, the historic building had been altered and its character lost. The recent additions have been removed and the fabric of the original structure has been restored. This has included revealing and opening up the large south-facing windows to create a light-filled winter garden, which provides a flexible space for events. The Orangery once again protects orange and lemon trees during the winter months, and at harvest time is used as a refectory.