Archive · 21 Jun 2025
Mumbai Architect Rebuilds French Vineyard with Sustainability
Imagine a famous French winery, Château de Beaucastel, got a makeover!
A Mumbai architect, Bijoy Jain, designed a new building that's all about respecting the land.
They used the earth itself to build it, with walls made of local clay and stones.
The new building uses natural resources like the wind for cooling and the sun for power.
It took a long time, but the result is a beautiful, efficient winery that feels like it's been there forever, all while making delicious wine!
Mumbai architect Bijoy Jain renovated the Château de Beaucastel winery in France's Rhône Valley.
The renovation prioritized sustainability using materials from the local environment and energy-efficient design.
The new winery doubles capacity and incorporates techniques from ancient construction methods.
The project involved collaboration with various specialists and took over six years to complete.
The design incorporates gravity-flow reception, individual fermenters, and separate vinification for plots and varietals.
- Who
- Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai and the Perrin family, owners of Château de Beaucastel.
- What
- Mumbai architect Bijoy Jain renovated the Château de Beaucastel winery.
- When
- The renovation was inaugurated in May.
- Where
- Rhône Valley, France
- Why
- To expand and update the winery while staying true to their philosophy of sustainability and terroir.
Traditional Building Practices
Sustainable Construction
Materials
Traditional Building Practices
Reliance on modern materials, such as concrete, for building.
Sustainable Construction
Using ancient techniques and materials like rammed earth
Energy Use
Traditional Building Practices
Using mechanical devices and industrial materials for energy.
Sustainable Construction
Using natural forces, such as wind, for cooling
- Architect
- Bijoy Jain (Studio Mumbai)
- Location
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France
- Client
- Perrin family
- Construction Materials
- Rammed earth, recycled limestone, rubble
- Energy Source
- Solar panels
- Cooling Method
- Mistral wind
- Project Cost
- €16 million