Architecture Competition: Château Lafite Rothschild

Château Lafite Rothschild, whose vines have been historically established in Pauillac for centuries, has built its reputation on the excellence of its wine.

Today, the winemaking process and the spatial organization of the vineyard buildings need to be restructured to be more coherent, precise, and to respond to new environmental challenges. In dialogue with the unique terroir facing it, the architectural project will aim to perpetuate the values of humility, respect for secular know-how, and protection of nature dear to Lafite.

The useful surface of the estate will be enlarged by 5000 m² and 6000 m² will be rehabilitated. The project will have to satisfy all the technical requirements of the vinification process and fit into the existing without ostentation.

Through this competition, Château Lafite Rothschild’s ambition is to engage in a resilient approach. Preserving the environment is an obvious priority in order to maintain the quality of its wine.

The Programme

The project includes the restructuring and extension of the winemaking areas, with a surface area of approximately 11,000 m².

It includes the rationalization of accesses and flows, particularly of grapes, and the creation of spaces as well as the installation of new equipment.

These objectives will have to be achieved in accordance with environmental principles that give priority to common sense, local and circular economy of means, and constructive intelligence rather than the multiplication of technical devices.

Understanding the site also means understanding the winemaking process and its constraints, as well as the singularities of Lafite: here, the hierarchy of spaces obeys more the historical dimension and the emotions they arouse than the pure logic of a winemaking site.

Fees

>>> Go to the competition’s website <<<