Designing Around The Land

The JC Equestrian Center is a carefully composed equestrian campus that embraces the land’s natural contours.

Situated in the scenic town of Atibaia, Brazil, the newly built JC Equestrian Center is a state-of-the-art equestrian facility. With three barns and a total of 40 stalls throughout the property, it’s home to the client’s private horses and horses of the riding school. Completed in 2025 by Per Cavalli Arquitetura, the design plan allows for a seamless relationship between architecture, equestrian amenities, and the surrounding landscape.

Credits

Architect – Per Cavalli Arquitetura

Main Architect – Giulia Bitar Malfatti

Co Creative Architect – Maria Perez Coelho Bento

Track Engineer – Alat

Frames, Stall Doors, and Windows – Samuel from Mader Silva

Photography – Cacá Bratke

JC Equestrian Center’s scope included renovating an existing structure (turning this into the main barn), two new barns, two sizable outdoor arenas, and a round pen. The property’s rolling hills have significant variations in elevation. The complex’s layout is centered around the highest point, where a pre-existing structure—a former event venue—once stood. Framed with durable timber construction and a distinct rustic style, the building offered an ideal opportunity for a renovation. Its structure with generously tall ceilings aligned naturally with the spatial needs of the horse stalls, allowing for a transformation that both preserves and reinterprets the original construction.

This is now the main barn which focuses on enhancing the existing architecture. Natural light was amplified by the addition of a continuous skylight stretching along the central corridor, improving environmental comfort and elevating the overall spatial experience. In addition to housing the stalls, the main barn holds the veterinary facilities, administrative offices, and a kitchen/lounge, functioning as the operational heart of the complex.

The barn’s strategic placement enables efficient movement between different riding zones and provides direct access to the outdoor training areas. From this point, the upper arena (30 by 50 meters) is easily reached and positioned to frame the surrounding landscape. The main arena (80 by 45 meters) lies in front of the newer two barns, establishing the primary space for equestrian activity. A round pen is also strategically located for direct and practical access from the built structures.

The barn has durable rubber pavers throughout the aisles along with drainage.

Lounge Above The Main Arena

A kitchen/lounge area situated above the main arena is a place to gather and watch lessons.

Additional Barns

The two additional barns follow the same guiding principles as the main barn which includes operational efficiency, environmental comfort, and generous natural lighting.

Skylights, paired with windows and permeable stall partitions, promote cross-ventilation and support the health and well-being of the horses.

Peaceful Grounds

The arrangement of the buildings takes full advantage of the site’s landscape and expansive views, reinforcing the relationship between users, animals, and the natural environment. The material palette balances rustic character with contemporary precision, resulting in an architecture that is functional and intentional.