neri & hu designs pernod ricard's first malt whisky distillery in china

chinese firm neri & hu has unveiled the design for pernod ricard’s distillery in the chinese city of emeishan. officially breaking ground today august 29, 2019, the malt whisky distillery will be the first one built by a foreign spirits maker in the country and it is programmed to begin production in 2021. the site is also intended to be promoted as a tourist destination.

all images courtesy of neri & hu | video courtesy of pernod ricard

from its inception, neri & hu’s objective when designing pernod ricard’s emeishan malt whisky distillery was to create a harmonious balance between the architecture and the landscape — one that could be set between industry and visitor experience; mountain and water. this design philosophy encompasses the essentially chinese concept of the dichotomy of two elements that exist in opposition yet complement each other.

view from the roof of the fifth building

the distillery, which aspires to become a new cultural icon, aims to celebrate the local culture and the brand’s spirit innovation. this will be possible by allowing visitors to discover the beauty of the emeishan through a new point of view. the site will also house an immersive visitor center.

in between view

cascading water inside building six’s courtyard 

project info:

name: pernod ricard emeishan malt whisky distillery

architects: neri & hu

location: emeishan, china

set to open: 2021