The Art of the Barn: A Furniture Designer’s Equestrian Vision

Explore an aesthetically designed, peaceful equestrian property of a talented furniture designer and accomplished dressage rider.

Wilhelmina McCarroll, the creative force and visionary behind Zuster and Zuster Equestrian lives in the wine region of Victoria in the beautiful Yarra Valley with her husband Lorin, son Finn, and daughter Aliyah.

Inspired by a commitment to her horses’ well-being and a passion for modern architecture, Wilhelmina’s vision was to create stables that are both highly functional and visually striking, blending seamlessly into the landscape. The design prioritizes equine comfort, with large, well-ventilated yards suited to the region’s extreme seasons, and smooth, hazard-free surfaces to ensure safety.

Minimalist architecture and innovative materials shape the facility’s clean, contemporary aesthetic, while a neutral, earthy palette reflects the natural surroundings—even the boards were matched to the color of summer grass at its peak.

Credits:

Tack Room by Zuster Equestrian

Property – Equestrian Haus

Michael Larionoff of Onoff Architecture

Steelwork – Architectural Steel Pty Ltd

Photography by Mike Baker Photography

The curved windows not only soften the overall look of the structure but also provide beautiful sight lines into the yards, enhancing the connection between people and animals. The result is a space that feels calm and open—and, most importantly, where the horses are happy and thriving.

Michael Larionoff of Onoff Architecture has been a long time friend who truly understood the vision and needs for this project. He also owns a steel manufacturing company, which was a great advantage because he was able to personally manufacture all the steelwork for the barns. Having that level of expertise and collaboration made the whole process seamless and helped bring the design to life exactly as imagined.

The effortless curved windows flow throughout the barn structures.

A central roadway extends through the stable block, with stalls arranged opposite one another. This configuration optimizes feeding, the horse’s movement, and improves overall efficiency.

Property Overview

Tack Room

Wilhelmina’s favorite place in the barn is the tack room – the social hub of the barn. It’s where everyone comes together to share stories, prepare for a ride, or spend time together.

Wilhelmina’s love for horses and design is evident and harmonious throughout the tack room.

“I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. I am a dressage rider and really enjoy the training side of things. There is something so rewarding about building that partnership and working through each step together. Over the years, I have ridden, cared for, and competed with my horses, which has given me a deep appreciation for their needs, both physically and emotionally.

I am also a furniture designer and combining my love for design with my passion for horses is what led to the creation of functional equestrian spaces. Designing tack rooms that combine rich leather and warm timber details is a particular passion, creating spaces that are both practical and beautiful.”