Equestrian Center - Pierre Janin

Cublize, France

The Lac des Sapins Equestrian Center is part of a large tourism site in the Beaujolais region. The initial challenge was to place an agricultural facility in a public setting, where it would be viewed from all sides. The building has been designed as one unique and compact volume, with all its activities organized under a large roof canopy. The extended roof area houses the horses' stables and the arena and storage areas for manure and hay.

Lightweight, chestnut timber slat cladding covers the concrete walls, and polycarbonate and steel roof. The building follows the sloped site's contours, with three main floor levels, minimizing the amount of backfill necessary. From within the building's entrance, the view stretches out over the lowered arena level to the canopy of neighboring trees, providing a common workspace for humans and animals, open to the surrounding environment.