Dionysus’ Yard: A Winery and Research Center at Marseille, France | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

The site is in the small town of Les Goudes, in Marseille. Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur région, situated in the Provence region of southern France, on the coast of the Gulf of Lion, part of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to their strategic location, the hills, Calanques and islands have been invaded by military forces on multiple occasions.

The site consists of important built heritage which extends from the Middle Ages to the Second World War, including the Renaissance and the Grand Siècle. During the Second World War, the Germans landed on the coasts of Provence. Numerous blockhouses and batteries lined the coast. (Blockhouses: A reinforced concrete shelter used as an observation point) 

Design Process

The Provence region is known for its fine wine due to the Mediterranean Sea’s moderating effects. The region offers complex aromatics, with delicate floral notes, zesty citrus, herbal nuances, and hints of saltiness. The coastal breezes help retain natural acidity in the grapes, resulting in balanced ripening and well-integrated flavors. Santorini, Greece, is celebrated for its distinctive wines, particularly Assyrtiko, a white grape variety that thrives in volcanic soil. The dry and windy climate of Santorini forces vines to hug the earth in a unique trellis system called “Kouloura.” This technique is used as a case study for addressing the oenological crisis.

The design of Dionysus Yard aimed to integrate the scheme into the unique rocky landscape while navigating its contours. The scheme incorporates a need to create a protected shelter at a location of disarming view while establishing a well-centred winery and vineyard. The idea is to build down and integrate the scheme within the landscape while carving the land to respond to the needs of the scheme. Drilling the slope and carving the landscape accordingly will provide protection against strong winds while also generating bioclimatic features for the building.

Dionysus’ Yard is designed to offer an immersive experience, spanning the grape life cycle, production process, and winery experience. Located in a World War II bunker ruin, guests can witness the pressing, fermentation, aging, and bottling phases.

Final Outcome

The aim was to create a design that was harmonious with the natural environment. The idea of integrating the project within the landscape was explored while carving the land to respond to the needs of the scheme. By creating a subterranean typology and orienting to maximise solar gain, it was possible to reduce the need for heating and cooling while simultaneously offering wind protection.

Dionysus’ Yard has been designed to be an immersive experience for the wine product, encompassing the entire grape life cycle, production process, and overall winery experience. The journey begins at a still-existing World War II concrete bunker ruin that faces the vineyards. The pressing, fermentation, and aging cellars are located in the courtyard, where guests can take in the sights, sounds, and aromas of winemaking in action. Four phases of wine production—pressing, fermentation, aging, and bottling—have been divided out of the production area. 

The journey ends at a dedicated tasting room and experience centre where guests can try a range of wines produced on-site. The vineyard extends over the roof, offering guests expansive views over the vineyard. The design incorporates multiple staircases that lead to the vineyards, encouraging a walk-through as the initial encounter with the wine as a product—something that is not very common.

The fully glazed opposing façades with skylights, and cross-ventilation foster natural circulation, while lessening the dependency on mechanical ventilation systems. Stone and recycled concrete, both high thermal mass materials, have been chosen to store and release heat, to regulate indoor temperatures and lower the energy use.

Conclusion: The project offers a comprehensive approach to tackling the profound challenges posed by climate change to the wine industry by integrating traditional Greek cultivation methods with modern research and innovation. The initiative not only promises to safeguard the quality and heritage of wine production but also serves as a model for resilient and sustainable practices in the face of an uncertain climate future.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]