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IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 OIV 9 OIV 2025 9 Adaptive and innovative technologies in sustainable oenology 9 Towards an ecological architecture inspired by underground cellars: An example of the thermal inertia of Moldovan underground cellars and new geothermal and Canadian well approaches

Towards an ecological architecture inspired by underground cellars: An example of the thermal inertia of Moldovan underground cellars and new geothermal and Canadian well approaches

Abstract

The search for underground shelters is one of the oldest forms of human habitation, providing refuge in extreme environments such as deserts and polar regions. In most wine-growing regions, at a depth of 6 to 7 meters, the temperature stabilizes between 10 and 16 degrees Celsius. This thermal inertia acts as a natural air conditioning system, favorable for the production and preservation of wines. Ancient cellars, whether carved into rock or built before the era of air conditioning, often had architectural features that allowed for optimal temperature maintenance. In Moldova, cellars dug by hand and mechanically during the Soviet era create ideal conditions for aging wines at a constant temperature of about 12 degrees, thus reducing energy needs. Modern bioclimatic architecture aims to optimize thermal conditions as well as water and energy management. Underground constructions exploit thermal inertia, while systems such as geothermal energy with vertical probes and earth- to-air heat exchangers use geothermal energy to regulate indoor temperature, providing heat in winter and coolness in summer.

Vers une architecture écologique inspirée des caves souterraines. Exemple de l’inertie thermique des caves souterraines moldaves et des nouvelles approches géothermiques et par puits canadien

Résumé. La quête d’abris souterrains est l’une des formes d’habitat humain les plus anciennes, offrant un refuge dans des environnements extrêmes tels que les déserts et les régions polaires. Dans la plupart des régions viticoles, à une profondeur de 6 à 7 mètres, la température se stabilise entre 10 et 16 degrés Celsius. Cette inertie thermique agit comme un système de climatisation naturelle, favorable à l’élaboration et à la conservation des vins. Les anciennes caves, qu’elles soient creusées dans la pierre ou construites avant l’ère de la climatisation, possédaient souvent des caractéristiques architecturales permettant de maintenir des températures optimales. En Moldavie, des caves creusées à la main et mécaniquement durant l’époque soviétique créent des conditions idéales pour le vieillissement des vins à une température constante d’environ 12 degrés, réduisant ainsi les besoins énergétiques. L’architecture bioclimatique moderne vise à optimiser les conditions thermiques ainsi que la gestion de l’eau et de l’énergie. Des constructions enterrées exploitent l’inertie thermique, tandis que des systèmes comme la géothermie avec des sondes verticales et le puits canadien utilisent l’énergie géothermique pour réguler la température intérieure, fournissant chaleur en hiver et fraîcheur en été.

DOI:

Publication date: September 22, 2025

Issue: 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine

Type: Short communication

Authors

Joël Rochard1

1 VitisPlanet, Bouilly, France

Contact the author*

Tags

IVES Conference Series | OIV | OIV 2025

Citation

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