Barrière Frères: Restructuring through expansion, demolition, and subsequent reconstruction of a wine cellar dedicated to the storage of grand cru wines

Background and Objectives of the Restructuring

The restructuring project at the BARRIÈRE FRÈRES site is part of a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening operational excellence and meeting the needs of a demanding industry. Located in Ludon-Médoc (33), this subsidiary of the GRANDS MILLESIMES DE FRANCE holding company—owned by the CASTEL and SUNTORY groups—is a leader in the wine trade, both in France and internationally, thanks to its specialization in Grand Crus. The renovation project includes an expansion, the demolition, and subsequent reconstruction of a 9,723 m² wine cellar entirely dedicated to the storage of Grands Crus. The goal is to incorporate modern technologies, such as temperature control, and to comply with ICPE standards (classified facilities for environmental protection), in order to ensure optimal storage quality while protecting the environment.

The Technical Challenges of a Construction Project on an Occupied Site

The renovation of the BARRIÈRE FRÈRES site is taking place under complex conditions, as production activities must continue uninterrupted throughout the duration of the work. The project is divided into two major phases: first, the expansion of the existing warehouse, followed by its demolition and reconstruction after the inventory has been transferred to a new storage area. These logistical requirements demand meticulous coordination to ensure fire safety, the smooth flow of internal operations, and the landscaping of the site. Furthermore, the fact that the site remains in continuous use exacerbates the challenges associated with verifying compliance with safety standards, all while meeting the functional and operational needs of a modern wine cellar.

Innovations and Sustainable Solutions Implemented

In this project, several technical and architectural innovations were implemented to optimize the storage of fine wines and comply with local regulations. An exemption from the Ludon-Médoc local urban planning regulations (PLU) was necessary to allow for a greater building height, accompanied by environmental and landscape mitigation measures, as well as improvements to fire safety. In terms of storage, this wine cellar complies with ICPE 1510 standards and features a rack-based layout with 2.90-meter-wide aisles optimized for the transport of pallets and crates. Eventually, a bulk storage area may be equipped with additional racking. The site features a constant temperature control system maintained at +/-18 °C and a building equipped with sprinkler systems, ensuring the safety of the inventory while preserving its quality.