The Chilean Andes have long been synonymous with Wild West-type equestrian adventures, with many travelers who reach the iconic mountain range arriving eager to discover it on horseback. Chile, like its neighbor Argentina, is well known for its gauchos: local cowboys who breed, care for, and ride horses on the South American plains. Now, a new set of stables near the capital of Santiago has been making waves in the design world for its simple yet elegant aesthetic.

Designed by horse lover Matias Zegers of Matias Zegers Arquitectos, these stables are located in the Andean foothills closest to Santiago. Built upon a sprawling three-acre site, the stables are accompanied by a top-notch equestrian school, which itself is comprised of a central barn, a training arena, a covered exercise ring, an ancillary barn for storing equipment, and a terrace for relaxing after riding sessions. A total of fourteen show-jumping horses are kept at the stables, which are constantly being manned by either two or three people.
The stables are contained within a long, linear volume with a deep pitched roof that creates a dramatic yet simple silhouette. The form of the barn echoes that of the architecture you’d expect to see in the countryside, whether it be for agricultural or livestock purposes. The design of the stables is minimal, with an opening at each gable end leading into the central aisle (off which the individual stalls can be accessed). Openings along the length of the exterior...