PPC EQUESTRIAN SPORT CENTER
The project envisages the creation of an ethology-oriented equestrian sports center dedicated to American riding disciplines, through a comprehensive re-reading of the valley-floor area of Az. Agr. Il Bianconiglio in Prata Camportaccio, Val Chiavenna. The site is currently used for forage cultivation and is located in a peri-urban edge context, with residential and productive (industrial) presences along the SS36 corridor. The existing volume on the plot will be demolished and rebuilt as three new functionally independent buildings (stable, storage/warehouse, residence), in order to improve the management of equestrian equipment, logistics, and the environmental quality of the built space for both people and the housed horses.
The planimetric and volumetric layout derives from three main conditions: a longitudinal orientation towards the South (maximizing solar exposure and winter gains), enclosure towards the North (protection from cold downslope Alpine winds), and continuity with the fields’ drainage lines to promote rapid stormwater runoff and limit ponding during heavy rainfall events. The three buildings—each single-storey with a maximum eaves height of 4.00 m (clear)—are constructed in black pigmented concrete, textured using OSB panels as formwork during casting. The dark chromatic finish is intended to increase solar absorption during cold months, and the buildings are equipped with large cantilevered canopies on the South façade to screen excessive summer solar radiation, optimizing thermo-hygrometric comfort. The structural shear walls extend beyond the building footprint to increase protection from wind and noise originating from the industrial fabric behind, creating a “buffer strip” for thermal and acoustic shielding.
The black textured concrete, cast using OSB formwork panels, makes it possible to recreate the same material quality and coloration as the surrounding mountains, echoing the Alpine character of the mountain landscape between Italy and Switzerland.
Between the volumes, a central relational space is defined, comparable to a multifunctional square that accommodates maneuvering areas, circulation routes and service functions in an open environment perceived as unified and protected.
The stable is the main building, laid out longitudinally with its South front open towards the paddocks; large glazed surfaces characterize the façades of the service accommodations and the clubhouse on the West side. The central band houses the horses in a Big Box system (ethological box stalls). A continuous distribution corridor along the North side organizes access to both the civil spaces and the stable areas: the service apartments are located towards the internal road; the functional program is completed by spaces for horse care/management, washing, and a hay storage area. Access is from Vicolo delle Prese (accommodations) and from the North side of the plaza.
The warehouse and agricultural equipment storage block is contained between pigmented reinforced-concrete shear walls and responds to agricultural needs: hay storage, shelter for agricultural vehicles and equipment, and the plant room (technical systems). The rooms open via sliding doors on the North front and are served by the access/parking area without compromising the use of the central plaza. Between the stable and the warehouses, a sand arena for competitive American riding is provided, bounded by timber sleepers and metal tubular rails, 1.50 m high.
