Club Ecuestre combines traditional architecture and innovations

by Eric Jackson

In Coronado the Eisenmann family is building the Club Ecuestre, which will give Panama its only world-class facility for all the equestrian events. The jumping course is designed by the renowned Mexican architect, Javier Fernández.

The most noteworthy architectural work to this reporter's eyes, however, has to do with the buildings. Panamanian architects Jaime Ventura C. and Humberto Martínez are due credit for those works, which combine traditional and modern features and will surely be the inspiration for more adaptations of Panama's vernacular architecture.

The stables have the rustic look of quincha — Panamanian-style mud and wattle — with traditional clay tile roofs. They also have specially designed drainage, ventilation and bug spraying systems, to reduce odors and keep the horseflies away.

The clubhouse features Moorish arches and fieldstone with a bohio-style rustic nispero, cedro amargo and manglare frame and thatched roof, which combine to create a shady and breezy atmosphere that will be comfortable in by dry and rainy seasons.

When the project is done, social memberships at the club will cost a $2000 initiation fee plus $50 per month, while a membership that includes one stable will go for $8000 plus $100 per month. The club will feature the services of grooms, trainers and a maintenance crew, and sanitary conditions will be overseen by a veterinarian.