Design meets nature in Perrier-Jouët’s new biodiversity initiative in partnership with acclaimed design studio Formafantasma for Cohabitare, an innovative project that merges art, architecture, and sustainability in the heart of Champagne.
A harmonious blend of nature and design is taking root in the Champagne region as part of Maison Perrier-Jouët’s ambitious new project, Cohabitare. Envisioned by the renowned design studio Formafantasma, the initiative is transforming the traditional vineyard experience into a forward-thinking, biodiversity-focused platform. At the heart of this effort is a striking installation, Ilot de Biodiversité — an architectural “biodiversity island” nestled within the Agusons vineyard in Ambonnay, France. The 3,068-square-foot structure, composed of 74 handcrafted terracotta pillars, serves as both a habitat for insects and a symbol of sustainable innovation.
Maison Perrier-Jouët, known for its deep-rooted passion for nature since its founding in 1811, has long embraced the interplay between art, sustainability, and winemaking. This new collaboration with Formafantasma deepens the house’s commitment to biodiversity. As Formafantasma explained, “Our collaboration with Perrier-Jouët marks the first opportunity we’ve had to explore our interest in the life and behavior of flora and fauna, and how design can enhance biodiversity. The challenge is to demonstrate that design can not only draw inspiration from nature but also contribute to its well-being.”
The Ilot de Biodiversité is more than just an artistic installation. It serves a scientific purpose, functioning as a habitat for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and bats. Specially designed terracotta modules feature various apertures to support insect populations, while native plants provide essential nourishment. The long-term impact of these efforts will be monitored through a study in partnership with the Natural History Museum in Paris, ensuring that the installation delivers measurable benefits to the local ecosystem.
As a continuation of the Cohabitare project, Formafantasma has also curated the Banquet of Nature, a multisensory dining experience set to take place in the Champagne region this fall, followed by an exhibition at Design Miami in December 2024. Michelin-starred chefs Pierre Gagnaire and Manon Fleury will lead the culinary aspect, complementing the project’s nature-inspired ethos. The initiative also includes an eco-acoustic composition titled Oecanthus by Italian composer David Monacchi, created from recordings gathered within Perrier-Jouët’s vineyards. This soundscape, named after the locust Oecanthus pellucens, will be presented alongside sound sculptures designed by Formafantasma at global art and design fairs, including in Milan, Miami, and Tokyo.
Sustainability runs through the core of Maison Perrier-Jouët’s operations. With regenerative viticulture programs already in place across more than 40 percent of its vineyards, the maison aims to have all its plots fully sustainable by 2030. These regenerative methods include the use of biomass cover crops, vitiforestry, and green corridors, which collectively enrich the soil, promote biodiversity, and enhance vine resilience to climate change. The vineyards have been free of chemical herbicides since 2020, replaced by mechanical tools, plant cover, and the innovative Bakus robot, an all-electric device designed to eliminate weeds without compacting the soil.
Beyond the vineyard, Perrier-Jouët’s commitment to sustainability extends to its production facilities, which operate on green energy, and its shift toward low-impact transportation methods such as rail and sail-powered cargo ships. Even the packaging reflects the maison’s environmental priorities. Cuvées are now housed in lightweight, recyclable materials, including the Belle Epoque cocoon, crafted from recycled vine cuttings and sustainable paper pulp.
Since 2012, Maison Perrier-Jouët has actively partnered with contemporary artists and designers to highlight the intricate relationship between nature and art. This ethos aligns seamlessly with the spirit of Art Nouveau, which celebrated organic forms and the beauty of the natural world—a philosophy that continues to inspire the brand’s aesthetic and ecological pursuits.
The journey of Cohabitare is expected to evolve over the next several years, bringing together designers, researchers, students, and the public to explore the possibilities of sustainable design. As Formafantasma’s founders Simone Farresin and Andrea Trimarchi put it, “The project, the first of its kind for the design duo, is expected to be completed in 2025.”
Maison Perrier-Jouët’s dedication to sustainability is deeply embedded in its legacy. Founded by botanist Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët, the Champagne house has long been guided by a respect for nature. Today, it continues that legacy by not only producing exceptional champagnes but also spearheading initiatives that protect and nurture the environment. With its new commitment to regenerative viticulture and innovative projects like Cohabitare, Perrier-Jouët is setting a powerful example for the Champagne industry.
Maison Perrier-Jouët’s iconic Belle Epoque bottle, adorned with floral motifs, encapsulates the maison’s devotion to both artistry and ecology. The house’s latest efforts exemplify how tradition and modernity can coexist in harmony, demonstrating that luxury need not come at the expense of environmental responsibility. The maison is poised to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future — one vineyard, one cuvée, and one biodiversity island at a time.
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