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Sky Mirrors
By : Zone of Utopia, Mathieu Forest Architect, LIN Xiaoguang Studio
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Architecture : Grand Winner, Award of the Year Winner
Categories : Public Building / Cultural Building : Gold Certification
Sky Mirrors
Two mirrors suspended between mountain and sky amplify and magnify the landscape: above, the water mirror which doubles the sky and creates infinity. Below, the steel mirror which reflects the valley and creates an artificial sky under the sky.
At the top of the mountain, the building is completely buried to keep intact the breathtaking view of the sky and the mountains in the distance.
Arriving to the site, we do not yet perceive the interior life of the building. We only see the landscape, its reflection and between the two, the surreal image of a mirror volume suspended in the void.
Then we sink gently below ground level, taking a curved ramp framed by concrete walls. It slips under the water mirror which is also a mirror below.
This large mirrored ceiling is actually a large artificial sky. It reflects the hanging lamps and creates a punctuation of stars.
The first tasting room gives a view of the mountain cleared of all human intervention and presence. A little further on, an intimate room preserves the most precious bottles.
Finally, we enter the large tasting room and discover through a one-piece window, without joinery, the breathtaking view of the valley.
At night, the multitude of lit lamps and their reflections in the ceiling create a starry sky, this artificial sky is in turn reflected in the glazing of the facades. The real sky merges with that created by architecture. Illusion game.
The visit continues with the ascent of an unexpected staircase that soars towards the sky. Arriving at the top of this staircase, we walk on a footbridge suspended in the void. This belvedere gives a view of the landscape in all its directions.
The journey continues towards the exit. We go up slowly towards the level of the road.
Collaboration
Architect : Mathieu Forest Architecte
Architect : LIN Xiaoguang Studio
Other : Sichuan Xilian Architectural Planning and Design Co., Ltd
Lighting : BPI Brandston Partnership Inc
Interior Designer : Chengdu Qingmuyuanyi Design Company
General Contractor : Sichuan No.11 Construction Co, Ltd
