A paddock is a space that allows the display of the finest examples of horse breeds, being the Arab horse one of the most exquisite for its speed, posture, gentleness and stamina. It is in this exhibit space where equestrian enthusiasts attend and observe the higher valued Arab specimens.

This paddock project is located in Al Wafrah, occupying a small portion of a larger plot, embedded in a setting with indigenous vegetation. For this project, we developed two conceptual strategies that follow the same starting premises. First, they are related and articulated with the surrounding landscape and the palm trees’ metric garden composition. Second, they take into account the primitive principle of this type of building, which is to give shelter to a considerably diaphanous exhibit space with large structural spans. And third, they are contained in a clear rectangular shape accommodating a horsemanship arena, with side support facilities such as technical areas, toilets, and a stand for visitors and circulation space.

The first conceptual project emphasizes a light steel truss roof structure and a more industrial modern approach. It searches for a harmonious composition between the main’s roof inverted inclination perimeter and the rectangular facilities building that partially extends beyond the limits of the main building’s downwards edge.

The second conceptual project follows a more traditional design and constructive methods with a pyramidal roof covering the arena and facilities programme, delimiting a compact volume. The concrete four-slope roof delimits a large hollow interior space with enlarged double height over the paddock area. The toilets are located in two corner cubic volumes delimiting the visitor’s stand. On the exterior, a corridor surrounds the building, under the wide roof’s eaves. This surrounding shadow gives lightness to the compact building volumetry.