transparent lighthouse by barthélémy griño extends whisky distillery in scotland

interlocked volumes revitalize glenmorangie distillery

Situated near Tain in northern Scotland, the Glenmorangie Distillery has been a cornerstone of Highland whisky-making since its conception in 1843. In 2016, The Glenmorangie Company launched a competition for an extension to its historic site, commissioning Barthélémy Griño to realize the project. In 2024, the Franco-Uruguayan and Paris-based practice delivered two industrial buildings that redefine the identity of the distillery, symbolizing the brand’s renewal and its ambitious development strategy.

The iconicity of the architecture arises from two new interlinked volumes—a tower 20 meters in height that overhangs the whole sight. Inspired by the old lighthouses guiding ships in the Dornoch Firth, it emphasizes a vivid modernity, with its transparent and cubic volume also acting as a contemporary symbol, revealing two of Scotland’s largest whisky stills within. Throughout the day, this Lighthouse reflects the changing sky, capturing its shades and brightness. Wooden panels within the glass facade subtly reference the oak casks where the old whisky develops its flavor.

all images by Hélène Binet, courtesy of Barthélémy Griño

openings on barthélémy griño’s facade improve ventilation

Barthélémy Griño conceived the Lighthouse with two main intentions: erasing the industrial, technical, or infrastructural semiology and arising a vibrant, kinetic architectural envelope. First, the new iconic glazed tower welcomes two monumental stills alongside a laboratory for creating and tasting on the highest level, enjoying panoramic views over the North Sea. A second, lower building completes the facility as it subtly merges with the existing warehouses with its traditional and local stone and slate cladding.

Due to the distillery’s isolated geographical location, the conservation area, and the ethical environmental approach, all the construction material supply chain and its sources have been limited. Thus, the architects built the facade with reused stones coming from an on-site demolition. As for slate and pavement, they originate from local quarries situated near the distillery. In contrast, the floorings are composed of metallic structure and grating panels in order to anticipate any use evolution. The facades are fitted with several openings located on opposite sides to increase natural ventilation in production areas.

The Glenmorangie distillery extension aims to express the brand identity, create added value for the team and visitors, upgrade the site perception, and translate the perfection quest of this renowned company. Notably, the extension is partially fed by biogas, directly emanating from the distillation process itself. Here, the distillers can give free rein to their creativity, experimenting with various recipes.

the Glenmorangie Distillery has been a cornerstone of Highland whisky-making since 1843

the iconicity of the architecture arises from two new interlinked volumes

inspired by the old lighthouses guiding ships in the Dornoch Firth

a tower 20 meters in height overhangs the whole sight

wooden panels within the glass facade reference the oak casks where the old whisky develops its flavor

this Lighthouse reflects the changing sky

here, the distillers can give free rein to their creativity

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the new iconic glazed tower welcomes two monumental stills

redefining the identity of the distillery

the floorings are composed of metallic structure and grating panels

several openings located on opposite sides of the facade increase natural ventilation

project info:

name: Glenmorangie Distillery | @glenmorangie
architect: Barthélémy Griño | @barthelemygrino
location: Tain, Scotland

photographer: Hélène Binet | @binet.helene

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom