DJD Architects were appointed to undertake the technical design for David Dennis Racing, expanding their racing stables with a new stable building to accommodate 50 horses at Hanley Swan, Malvern.
A gently sloping site and the need to retain a number of mature trees meant careful thought to the positioning of the building and arrangement of the necessary ground works to create a level area for the building to sit down comfortably into the landscape. The building is arranged around a welcoming entry courtyard with servicing from the trackway to the rear.
In edition to the technical design and engineering challenges, a number of planning issues needed to be resolved, and the scheme delivered to a demanding schedule and budget whilst achieving the high quality environment essential for the welfare of the horses. Almost all stables were able to be arranged with a window to give the curious animals a view to outside. Windows, stable stalls, fittings, services and structural details all needed to be designed or arranged to avoid the opportunity for the horses to accidentally injure themselves.
The use of good quality soft red brickwork with blue brick detailing and Yorkshire boarding above, together with high quality windows and doors project a warm and welcoming presence for horses and owners alike. The project was completed and opened in Spring 2017 in time for the important Cheltenham race meeting.
