Stunning modern stable treats horses to rooftop grazing

Amid the lush grasslands of central Argentina’s La Pampa province is a modernist’s dream stable—a horizontal building of concrete and local hardwoods, connected to the landscape through reflecting pools and a roof planted with wild grasses where horses can graze. The Figueras Stables were designed by Estudio Ramos for Nacho Figueras, often described as the “David Beckham of polo.” Figueras is a model and professional polo player, and his new stables overlook a perfectly manicured polo field.

Much of the 41,000-square-foot building is hidden beneath large planted hills or behind a long concrete wall. The structure has two main volumes: an open, glass-fronted section for social occasions and entertaining, which faces the polo field; and a more utilitarian volume containing work areas and living quarters for the grooms. The structure also has stalls for 44 polo horses.

The horizontality of the structure was inspired by the region’s flat landscape. “When traveling through this area, there is an overwhelming feeling of a never-ending horizontality,” explained the architects. The use of concrete is beautifully executed as a counterpoint to the surrounding greenery. A concrete spiral stair winds its way to the planted roof, which also serves as a viewing platform during polo games.

Via: Inhabitat, Dezeen