Domaine de La Cavale
Cucuron, France
SCEA LA CAVALE
Architect: WILMOTTE & ASSOCIÉS
Designer: WILMOTTE & INDUSTRIES
Executive Project Architect: MARIOTTI-JAMES
Structure: STRUCTURE TIERCELIN
Cost consultant: GRIGNET
Control office: QUALICONSULT
Floor: E.G.SOL SUD
Building services: SNC-LAVALIN
Wine-making process: AVENIR VINICOLE
Sustainable development: E2S
Surveyor: DUPIN-RICHAUD
1 800 sqm
2017
Staging and optimisation of the Domaine's wine-making process through the creation of a high-performance building with new openings onto the surrounding vineyards.
The new winery at Domaine de la Cavale sets the scene and optimises the wine-making process thanks to a building that is unique in the Luberon. This building, which is as attractive as it is efficient, is a blend of mineral and vegetal elements and has new openings onto the surrounding vineyards.
The architectural project, respectful of the existing building, preserves the square plan on which the original building was erected. Developing a unique architecture in the Luberon, both contemporary and respectful of local canons, it is based on the integration of a wall made of local stone, the restructuring and the interior and exterior requalification of the vats and the existing cellar, as well as the extension of the building.
The facade is a true architectural signal and a new showcase for the estate. It uses regional architectural vocabulary, through the use of dry stone from the Saint-Pantaléon quarry and industrial vocabulary borrowed from the world of wine (black zinc cladding for the existing building).
Located at the rear of the building, the extension transforms the internal organisation of the building, which now includes a larger storage volume, new technical rooms, a sales room, a tasting room, a presentation room, a shop, technical rooms and new offices. The winery has a new, open central space, offering an exceptional view of the two vats on either side and projecting the visitor into the winemaking process from the very beginning.
A special feature of the estate’s wine-making process is the installation of a weighing machine at the top of the building. The tractors will then have to use the access ramp on the north side of the building and unload the harvest from the roof of the extension building.
