In its vineyards in Mondragon, located northwest of Marseille, la Cabotte produces award-winning syrahs, grenaches, mourvedres and more. Nested in this idyllic setting, which also boasts views of Mont Ventoux, a new pavilion is adorably propped on short, squat feet.
The tripartate building, by H2O Architectes, welcomes in tourists to sample any of the winery’s many vintages; its two other wings house an office and washroom facilities for wine growers, respectively. All three peaked-roof sections bring in abundant natural light through their many glazed openings.
While the openings are dramatic, it’s the all-wood exterior that gives this 58-square-metre building its undeniable character, a mix of rustic and modern. The structural frame is made of Douglas fir, and clad in larch wood – all the timber locally sourced from Savoie, France. Inside, this natural-grain palette is used sparingly but effectively – in cabinetry, mostly – so that the white-washed walls and soaring, modern-truss ceilings provide the main wow factor.