mix of local sands crafts wine storehouse's lime plaster exterior by carmen maurice in france

Carmen Maurice revives Vignoble de Rhuys in Sarzeau

Carmen Maurice Architecture completes the Vignoble de Rhuys wine cellar, located at 23 rue des Trois Moulins in Poulhors, Sarzeau, France. Situated on the Rhuys peninsula, this new facility aligns with the Gulf of Morbihan Regional Nature Park and the local municipality’s initiative to revive wine production in the area after a 70-year hiatus.

The design integrates into the landscape, rooting itself in the regional tradition of viticulture while establishing a contemporary architectural identity for the site. Architect Carmen Maurice’s approach draws from universal winemaking imagery to create an architectural language that resonates with the location’s history. The compact structure wraps around a restored mill, combining efficiency with a spatial layout that follows the natural winemaking process. A gravity-fed system moves grapes from north to south, maximizing energy efficiency and maintaining thermal stability.

all images by © Guillaume AMAT

winery Blends traditional and Contemporary Viticulture Design

The structure’s exterior features lime plaster crafted by a heritage artisan, with a unique mix of local sands that evoke the oceanic proximity of the peninsula. This plaster achieves a textured, mutable surface that reflects changing light and weather, echoing the fluid nature of wine. Approaching from the south or along hiking trails from the northwest, visitors encounter this expressive facade, which imparts a sense of place tied to the vineyard’s terroir.

Carmen Maurice Architecture studio designs the interior of the cellar both as a quiet space for wine maturation and as an open environment for visitor interaction. To the east, an enclosure discretely accommodates the winemaking process, while to the west, walls open generously to views of adjacent mills, blending the natural landscape with the cellar’s public areas. These shared spaces integrate tasting areas and exhibits, showcasing the history of local wine production and inviting visitors to explore the cultural narrative of Sarzeau’s vineyards.

Carmen Maurice Architecture completes the Vignoble de Rhuys wine cellar in Poulhors, Sarzeau, France

wrapped around a restored mill, the structure optimizes efficiency while following a gravity-based layout

lime plaster crafted by heritage artisans creates a textured facade that shifts with light and weather

the design aligns with regional initiatives to blend viticulture with local heritage conservation

local sands in the plaster evoke the nearby ocean, adding a unique tactile quality to the structure’s exterior

the cellar invites guests to explore the evolving narrative of winemaking on the Rhuys peninsula

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the spaces for sharing, tasting, and museography highlight the evolution of winemaking practices

the design allows the press to work by gravity, while ensuring good thermal inertia

the wine cellar invites visitors to discover the history of the vineyards in Sarzeau

project info:

name: Wine Storehouse
architect: Carmen Maurice Architecture | @carmen.maurice.architecte 

location: 23 rue des Trois Moulins, in Poulhors, Sarzeau, France

photography: Guillaume AMAT | @guillaumeamat

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom