Ocala Equestrian Center

A new 20-horse barn forms the centerpiece of a 60 acre equestrian center in Ocala, FL featuring outdoor arenas, a cross country course, gallop track, support structures and paddocks.

The building is designed as a series of gabled segments, growing in scale toward the middle of the building. With each step, an opening for light and natural ventilation is created which improves interior climate and the wellbeing of the horses.
Contrary to a conventional barn, which relies on the barn doors on either end for cross ventilation as well as natural light the stepping barn allows for increased airflow via cross ventilation at multiple levels and maximizes natural daylight for the barn interior.

The barn is organized on a 12' module based on the typical horse stall size. support spaces at the center and horse stalls towards the ends of the barn minimize distances for staff when tending to the horses. The depth of the barn increases towards the center which provides more area for storage and support spaces as well as larger 12'x16' stalls in the north. Towards the South the increased depth is providing roof overhangs that protect from sun exposure. The barn manager’s apartment is centrally located on the second floor.