A Classic & Contemporary Stud Farm in Brazil

A thoughtfully planned facility near the city feels like a slice of paradise.

With unbelievable sunsets, palm tree decorated landscaping, lush pastures and stunning stonework, Haras HWJ is an impressive stud farm, home to champion Quarter Horses. Diana Brooks of Arquitetura Equestre designed Haras HWJ and is sharing this stunning property. She specializes in equestrian projects with the focus on the well-being of horses, their quality of life and function of the facility for horses and humans.

Photography by Estúdio Paralelo

The owners live nearby in Maringá, a city in southern Brazil, but their farm quickly became an extension of their home and a place where they can comfortably spend long days as a family. Although the property is located near a bustling city, as you approach the horse farm you are immediately greeted by nature. Before you pull into the impressive gates at Haras HWJ, you’ll be greeted by horses grazing in their pastures.

Sizable gates accented with horse head statues command your attention when you first pull into the driveway.

The stud farm has 34 stalls which are divided among two barns (17 stalls in each barn), connected via a covered walkway.

Along with two horse barns, the property also has hay and bedding storage areas, a round and automatic walker for 6 horses, in addition to an official training track and multiple pastures.

Interior Barn Details

The clients requested the barn to have a classic style with contemporary design elements. Details include traditional glass and iron sconces. The concrete frames and designed frames were essential to create the desired aesthetic. In contrast to classical architecture, contemporary elements such as the thermoacoustic metallic tile and natural wood present in the doors and windows with iron details balance the look.

The horse head hooks were locally sourced and added a nice touch to the barn.

Tack Room

The functional and busy tack room has a revolving door right in front of the showers, which makes saddling up easier and more convenient.

Wash Stalls

Exterior Spaces

Airflow and natural light was a top priority for this project. The exterior windows capture the cool summer breezes and provide cross ventilation for the stables, along with allowing the horses to look outside during the day. The zenith, which crosses the entire central corridor of the stables, floods the building with natural light and allows the animals to benefit from the sunlight and to feel closer to their natural habitat, in the pasture.

This covered walkway provides access to the hay and bedding storage. It’s covered so hay and bedding doesn’t get wet when being moved during heavy rain. Keeping the hay and shavings away from the main barns helps reduce a fire risk.