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Japanese Architecture Meets Champagne Tradition at Maison Ruinart

11.14.24 | By
Japanese Architecture Meets Champagne Tradition at Maison Ruinart

Like champagne itself, the revitalized Maison Ruinart in Reims, France emanates a sense of lightness and effervescence. After two years of meticulous restoration, this historic address, deeply rooted in the winemaking tradition of Champagne, has been reborn with a fresh, modern vision – one that captures the very essence of champagne through architecture, design, and landscape. Led by a renowned team consisting of Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, landscape designer Christophe Gautrand, and interior architect Gwenaël Nicolas, the collaborative design includes a new pavilion of stone and glass, nestled within a public sculpture garden that champions local biodiversity.

A spacious hall with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooks a modern courtyard with a landscaped garden. Inside, there are two tables displaying various decorative items.

Fujimoto’s design draws inspiration from the lightness of champagne bubbles, forming an airy, asymmetrical structure with sweeping curves that echo the roundness of a champagne glass. Fujimoto goes on to say, “Through the pavilion’s bay window, facing the main courtyard, you see Maison Ruinart as if in a dream.” The pavilion’s transparent wall opens to the main courtyard, allowing visitors to view both the historic surroundings and the landscape beyond in one fluid scene. Inside, visitors experience a blend of light and shadow, moving through connected spaces that reflect the limestone-rich landscape of the region. With its winding paths and expansive glass, the pavilion offers a sensory journey that emphasizes the subtle beauty of nature.

View through a stone hallway with a large square window, showing a courtyard and building with arched windows in the background.

Spacious, modern interior with large curved windows overlooking a historic building. Light-colored flooring and ceiling, minimalistic decor with a table and abstract sculpture.

The interiors blend textures and hues in a nod to Ruinart’s chardonnay vineyards, with details like green-toned upholstery and oak and beech furnishings that evoke petal-like forms. Floating glass bubbles by Atelier Barrois decorate the bar, adding to the dreamlike atmosphere. An intimate cellar beneath the pavilion offers a secluded tasting experience for enthusiasts, featuring Ruinart’s rarest vintages. “I wanted to strike the right balance between the history of an ageold Maison and a more contemporary perspective. Visitors are invited to plunge into the world of Ruinart, feeling both guided and free to explore as they please,” says interior architect Gwenaël Nicolas.

A restaurant interior with beige chairs around circular tables, set by large windows overlooking a garden.

A modern, spacious restaurant with beige tones, featuring empty chairs and tables, a lit bar in the background, and decorative hanging lights.

Outdoor patio area with modern tables and chairs surrounded by trees and greenery. Building with large windows in the background.

Modern white building with large glass panels and a curved roof. A single tree stands in front, with a path leading to the entrance. Clear blue sky above.

Sleek, modern building with a white facade featuring curved lines, large windows, and green landscaping in the foreground. Trees flank the structure under a clear blue sky.

The restored site not only honors the heritage of Maison Ruinart but serves as a place for modern dialogue, welcoming artisans, artists, chefs, and visitors to engage in a shared celebration of culture, history, and the art of champagne.

Modern building with glass facade and curved design, located near a tree and surrounded by green grass and paved walkways.

A modern building with a curved, translucent facade and visible interior lighting. The structure is surrounded by greenery and a concrete path.

A modern building with a curved, translucent facade and a glass entrance, surrounded by grass under a clear sky.

A modern store interior with wooden tables displaying bottles and items. Curved, white bars form an archway. Shelves of products line the wall. Large windows provide natural light.

A modern showroom with champagne bottles displayed on wooden tables and a curved glass wall. Large windows reveal a view of buildings and greenery outside.

Modern beige building with curved walls and large glass entrance, set against a clear sky and surrounded by sparse trees.

A large beige building with arched windows sits next to a manicured lawn and pathway under a clear sky.

Photography by Raul Cabrera.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.