Maison Equine Lehen Funtzioa: Zaldizko Egongelaren Barnealdea by Mai Wahdan

Maison Equine Lehen Funtzioa: Zaldizko Egongelaren Barnealdea by Mai Wahdan is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award in Barruko Espazioa eta Erakusketa Diseinua Competition Category.

ZilarBarrualdea· 2026

Maison Equine Lehen Funtzioa: Zaldizko Egongelaren Barnealdea

by Mai Wahdan

Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Barrualdea Category

15,019
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #181449

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Maison Equine Lehen Funtzioa: Zaldizko Egongelaren Barnealdea

Liburuaren Testua: Zaldizko proiektu honek ohiko ukuilua edertasunari eta erakustaldietako zaldiei eskainitako ingurune findu bihurtzen du. Barkan, Omanen, kokatua, diseinuak korralera begira dagoen egongela panoramiko bat integratzen du, behaketa eta gizarte-elkarrekintza esperientziaren erdigunean kokatuz. Zirkulazio-estrategia diziplinatu batek argi eta garbi bereizten ditu harrera-eremuak eta eremu operatiboak, segurtasuna, eraginkortasuna eta animalien ongizatea bermatuz. Material natural geruzatuek, kolore-konposizio ausartek eta gainazal ukimenduek nortasun espazial berezi bat ezartzen dute, zaldizko mailako akaberek iraunkortasuna bermatzen duten bitartean.

The Recognition

About the Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award

Maison Equine Lehen Funtzioa: Zaldizko Egongelaren Barnealdea Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, goi-mailako, zoragarriak eta liluragarriak diren diseinuei ematen zaien ezohiko aitorpen prestijiotsua. Zilar-mailako irabazleak lan oso distiratsuak eta sormen biziko lanak dira, beren diseinatzaileen aditutasun, talentu eta zorroztasun nabarmenak erakusten dituztenak. Maison Equine Lehen Funtzioa: Zaldizko Egongelaren Barnealdea erakusleiho-lan zoragarria, nabarmenki profesionala eta sakonki berritzailea izatea espero da. Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu hau asmakizun oso nabarmena eta miretsia da, onura ekartzen duena eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituena. Maison Equine Lehen Funtzioa: Zaldizko Egongelaren Barnealdea jende askok inbidia duen sorkuntza da, desirak pizten dituena, sentimendu positiboak ekartzen dituena eta harridura eta txunditzea pizten dituena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This project reinterprets the traditional horse stable as a culturally infused equestrian lounge. Located in Barka, Oman, the design blends earthy materials, layered textures, and bold color accents to reflect the client’s equestrian lifestyle and artistic spirit. Carefully planned circulation enhances functionality between lounge and stable zones, while durable finishes ensure performance. The result elevates a utilitarian structure into a refined, hospitality-oriented destination.
Dimensions & Packaging: Total built up area: approx. 1200 sqm.
Lounge area: approx. 150 sqm; inclined ceiling height 4000 mm - 8000 mm.
Standard stall module: 3600 mm W x 3600 mm D x 3200 mm H.
Main walkways: minimum 3000 mm clear width.
Flooring: equestrian grade interlock pavers; shower zones in treated timber decking for slip resistance.
Tags: Equestrian Interior, Cultural Design, Horse-Friendly Architecture, Oman Heritage, Luxury Stable, Beauty Horses Facility, Climate-Responsive Design, Hospitality Lounge, Functional Zoning
Production Technology: The project was developed using function-driven spatial planning aligned with equestrian operational standards. Zoning strategies separated public lounge areas from stable and service circulation to ensure safety and efficiency. Structural engineering accommodated the inclined ceiling spanning 4,000–8,000 mm. Materials were selected for climate durability and animal safety. Custom joinery and detailing were locally fabricated to ensure precision and contextual authenticity.
Design Challenge: The primary challenge was balancing refined hospitality aesthetics with strict equestrian safety requirements. The design needed to reflect cultural richness while ensuring durability, ventilation, and stress-free movement for beauty horses. Climate conditions in Oman required heat-conscious material choices and shaded circulation. Coordinating between client vision, operational standards, and construction feasibility demanded continuous adaptation to technical constraints and on-site realities.
Research: Type of Research: Applied equestrian focused spatial research.
Research Objectives: To design a culturally rooted yet horse friendly environment tailored for beauty horses.
Methodology: Behavioral observation, circulation mapping, and climate responsive planning.
Data Collection and Tools: Client interviews, consultation with stable operators, CAD simulations, and material safety analysis.
Participants: Client, stable staff, and equestrian specialists.
Results: Reduced stress zones, safer movement paths, and improved ventilation.
Insights and Impacts: The research proves that combining cultural identity with animal centered design enhances welfare, operational efficiency, and long term facility value.
Inspiration: The inspiration emerged from the cultural depth of Oman, where heritage, craftsmanship, and equestrian tradition coexist with quiet elegance. The project was conceived as a spatial narrative that honors the country’s desert tones, artisanal textures, and social hospitality rituals. Research into local materials, climate responsiveness, and stable functionality informed the technical framework. The intent was to translate cultural memory into a contemporary equestrian environment that feels both
Project Duration: The interior design phase commenced in May 2025 in Barka, Al-Batinah South, Oman, and was completed within four months. The project is currently under construction, with execution progressing in accordance with the finalized design documentation and technical specifications.
Operation Flow: Visitors enter through a central axis that immediately reveals the lounge as the social heart of the project. From this point, circulation gently curves toward the stalls, allowing visual connection without disrupting stable operations. Public and service routes are clearly separated to ensure safety for horses and guests. The layout supports smooth daily routines - feeding, grooming, and hosting - while maintaining a calm, intuitive experience that feels welcoming rather than industrial.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Mai Wahdan and Luxentti Design House, 2025.
Team Members: Designer: Mai Wahdan
Image Credits: Image #1: Architect and Interior Designer Mai Wahdan, VIP Lounge Overlooking Horse Paddock, 2025.
Image #2: Architect and Interior Designer Mai Wahdan, VIP Lounge View Toward Main Entrance, 2025.
Image #3: Architect and Interior Designer Mai Wahdan, Top View Showing VIP Lounge Layout, 2025.
Image #4: Architect and Interior Designer Mai Wahdan, Horse Walkways Circulation Perspective, 2026.
Image #5: Architect and Interior Designer Mai Wahdan, Interior Design Elements and Material Composition, 2025.