Three Tips for Architects Designing Equestrian Facilities
The process of designing and planning for an equestrian structure is much different than for a traditional residential property. There are a lot of additional considerations, but working with a builder in these early stages can help ensure the project goes smoothly.
1. Don’t Skimp on Site Visits with Your Builder
At B&D Builders, we recommend that architects take additional time for site visits — early in the project and often throughout — to make certain all factors are accounted for.
Custom builders with expertise in equestrian structures can help with the exact placement and positioning of the barn. It’s important to consider the property’s wind exposure, as well as its drainage and stormwater management, to avoid preventable damage. The right placement can also maximize natural light where desired and guarantee proper shading where needed. This will help your client lower and manage energy costs all while keeping the horses happy and healthy. B&D Builders supports architects by providing free site visits and consultation throughout all the stages of a project.
2. Ask for Help from Equestrian Experts
Whether you’ve already started your design or have no clue where to start, it never hurts to ask for help — especially from experts who specialize in equestrian facilities. B&D Builders provides consultancy services free of charge, helping architects to design structures from the ground up or to adjust blueprints if existing plans are no longer feasible. But don’t wait until you hit a roadblock. Asking equestrian building experts for help early in the process can save you hours of work.
Like any other project, first understanding exactly what your client is looking for is key. It’s important to know how many stalls are needed and the required square footage for each of them. This ensures your resulting design isn’t overcrowded.
We also suggest reading up on the most popular horse barn amenities, such as therapy spaces, tack rooms, wash stalls, cool-down stalls, and storage, and other more luxurious amenities, like bars, kitchens, and entertainment rooms. If you want to understand equestrian facility needs even more, reach out to a local horse trainer and pick their brain to help make the end user experience even better. This will show your client you are knowledgeable and did your research.
Last but not least, equestrian building experts can help you choose building materials wisely. In our experience, products with high NRC values make for optimal acoustics. Environments with loud noises make horses uncomfortable and anxious, so ensuring their space is acoustically comfortable will show your client your attention to detail and how much you care.
3. Make Code Compliance Easier
As an architect, you know that codes vary greatly and can be hard to navigate. Reaching out to a local zoning officer, as well as partnering with a builder who is familiar with the local building codes, will make your job easier.
For instance, B&D Builders has substantial knowledge in building codes from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, and as far south as Virginia. By working with architects early on, we help to minimize the code compliance headaches that can arise throughout the design-build process.
Here to Help
Let B&D Builders help you design and execute your next equestrian facility or barn project. Get in touch with us at info@banddbuilders.com or fill out a form here to get started today.