DESIGN MEETS WINE

Bordeaux goes contemporary

A BEGUILING STRUCTURE on the 10-hectare estate of château les carmes haut-brion in central bordeaux defies all expectations of what a wine cellar should be. inspired by the shape of a raw metal blade, Philippe starck developed the striking form with local architect luc arsène-henry, with the aim of avoiding reference to any identifiable scale, period or culture. the structure rises like an overturned yacht from a concrete-banked moat; its curved facade of stainless steel panels is intended to reflect the surrounding nature, if not disappear into the trees and vineyards entirely.

accessed via footbridge, the interior comprises 2,000 square metres spread across two upper levels, a rooftop terrace, and a basement that holds 300 wooden barrels. locating the cellar below the waterline was no mere gesture; the aquatic surroundings buffer against changes in temperature and help to maintain constant air quality for optimum aging. above ground, flanked by a laboratory and a reception area, is the vat house, where wine is concocted in mammoth wood, steel and concrete drums. this double-height space is topped by a catwalk that leads to a tasting room, where aficionados can take in the view of the barrels below.

“We wanted to make this cellar an efficient tool,” says arsène-henry. “technical expertise is a must, but architecture is an art: it must convey emotion.” stripped of the usual signs of winemaking, the results speak to the spirited essence of the wine itself. 20 Rue des Carmes, les-carmes-haut-brion.com

The cellar’s hull-like form is surrounded by water to help regulate temperature and increase energy efficiency. The vat house, where grapes are processed into wine, is viewable from an upper-level catwalk.