raw concrete, steel panels, and wood wrap wiercinski studio's equestrian center in poland

Sep 27, 2023

Wiercinski Studio’s Horse House sits as a new breeding and training hub for the Ludwiczak Stables in rural Poland. Integrating into the site’s diverse tapestry of residential and agricultural structures, the equestrian center features a modest concrete structure topped with a mono-pitched roof and wrapped in natural and raw material finishes. A rugged yet contemporary fusion of exposed concrete, wood, and metal alongside the building’s visible structure creates a distinct three-dimensional image along the facade, brought to life by an interplay of light and shade.

Bridging old and new, the architects situated the project between the existing house and stable structures. Guided by the required functions, the new structure’s dimensions mirror those of its counterparts, while the rhythmic mono-pitched roofs unite the internal spaces of varying heights. Recalling the surrounding sawtooth-roofed industrial facilities, a vertical fault in the block was transformed into a skylight which brings an industrial undertone to the structure.

all images by ONI Studio

The stables sit in the village of Jaroszewo, fitting into a densely built-up plot with a house, existing stables, and farm buildings. Seeking to weave the Horse House into its rural, rustic surroundings, Wiercinski Studio opted for a material palette that is both expressive and modest. Raw concrete blocks, unfettered by additional exterior or interior finishes, were utilized for the single-layer walls, while wooden gates and glued wood beams infuse warmth and texture. Matt polycarbonate serves as an economical substitute for traditional window joinery and illuminates the interiors, as silver trapezoidal sheets cladding the lower roof protect from weather conditions.

Accommodating an array of equine needs, the Horse House comprises a full-size training hall complete with obstacles, an eighteen-stall horse stable, a warehouse, and a social area featuring a kitchen, study, tack room, and mezzanine-level viewing area. Within the program, the architects organized functions according to an intuitive progression, positioning the new stable section opposite to the existing stables which enables the horses to observe and interact with another.

Inside, visitors are welcomed into a harmonious continuation of the structure’s exterior where installations and construction elements are unveiled and embraced. Complementing this ambiance is a curated collection of bespoke furniture, lighting, and details crafted from steel and wood by local artisans that further accentuates the distinct character of the home.

project info:

name: Horse House

architecture: Wiercinski Studio

design team: Adam Wiercinski, Borys Wrzeszcz

location: Jaroszewo, Poland

photography: ONI Studio