Equestrian centre on Australia's south coast features a curving rammed-earth wall
A curving wall of rammed earth channels a stream of water around the edge of this horse riding centre near Melbourne, by London studio Seth Stein Architects and local firm Watson Architecture + Design (+ slideshow).
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_12.jpg)
Located on the Mornington Peninsula just south of Melbourne, the equestrian centre is framed by the reinforced wall of rammed earth – a material created by building up layers of compressed soil.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_11.jpg)
The wall runs along the entire rear facade of the building and extends out to meet a small pool of water where horses can cool off. A groove in the top of the wall integrates a stream that flows out to create a simple fountain.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
"We are interested in working with ecological materials that will harmonise with the surrounding context and provide very little maintenance," studio founders Seth Stein and Robert Watson told Dezeen.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
"Reinforced rammed earth – a low-moisture mix of natural soil and cement compacted around reinforcing bars – is used quite extensively in Australia and in particular in regional Victoria."
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
"It's more cost-effective than off-form concrete and, once a 600-millimetre tier of wall is compacted, the wall is structurally stable and able to take load, as opposed to a wet-formed concrete wall that typically requires 28 days to reach its design strength," they said.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
The project was commissioned by a client based in the UK, so it made sense for the two architects to collaborate on the design. The brief was to create a complex sympathetic to the surrounding rural landscape, but also one that would be durable against the elements.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_13.jpg)
The building's curving plan, which is shaped like a back-to-front J, allowed stables and other rooms to be arranged in a simple row around the southern edge of the site. They wrap a semi-circular lawn that functions as a paddock, as well as a large arena for jumping and event practice.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
In addition to the lawn, a patch of gravel provides an area for tying up horses. It sits alongside the pool of water, which offers the animals a place to cool down and have a drink.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
"The crescent shape provides a relatively compact plan form, given that stables are invariably arranged around communal external spaces," said the architects.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
The building was constructed with a primarily timber framework. Partition walls were also created using wood, offering a warm contrast to the pale grey of the rammed earth, while zinc was used to create the slender mono-pitched roof.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
There are six stables in total, as well as a feeding room, a laundry area and a tack room where items including saddles and bridles can be stored on hooks along the earth wall.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
A separate barn, also sheltered beneath the zinc roof, creates space for stable vehicles, plus straw and hay storage.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
The site had to be levelled and drained before construction could begin. This enabled the creation of a small lake near the centre, with a bird island sanctuary at its centre. There are also underground tanks for storing and recycling rainwater.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_468_14.jpg)
Photography is by Lisbeth Grosmann, apart from where otherwise indicated.
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_1.gif)
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_2.gif)
![Equestrian Centre by Seth Stein Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Merricks-Equestrian-Centre_Seth-Stein-Architects_stables_dezeen_3.gif)