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Chateau Cheval Blanc
Christian de Portzamparc, Meristeme | |
| location | Saint-Émilion |
| function | winery |
| contributed by | Franks |
The elegant structure sweeps across the vineyard, it houses the wine production facilities like it was as natural as the vines themselves. The Château Cheval Blanc dates back to the 1830's and is situated near the ancient and picturesque town of Saint-Emilion. Working within these parameters, Portzamparc, and the winery's owners, Baron Albert Frère and Bernard Arnault, wanted to create a sculpture that blended into the landscape. The designer describes his building as a "winery under the hill", as it is a structure that is roofed by landscaping which descends into the estate. To facilitate natural ventilation to help the wine breath, the winery's walls are made from mashrabiya. Other natural materials were chosen to construct the unique winery building and as a consequence, it's one of the few wineries in the world to have a High Environment Quality certification. The client, Bernard Arnault, is also owner of luxury brand LVMH, for whom the architect designed the LVMH Tower in NYC.
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