The modern application of vernacular archictecture at the Coronado Club Ecuestre

For years there has been a "vernacular architecture" movement in Panama, wherein modern architects advocate the use of traditional construction styles and materials in buildings that have the modern amenities. There are many advantages to this, including costs for materials and reducing the costs of cooling and lighting such structures.

Implicit in the widespread revival of these ways of building --- there are several, dating back to the various specific indigenous architectures and to the old Spanish methods and materials --- are concerns about growing enough bamboo, palms of the right sort, mangroves and so on to guarantee a plentiful and sustainable supply of construction materials. The conservation and in some cases revival of old skills is also an important element of the vernacular architecture movement.

The Coronado Club Ecuestre is a pricey place to board your horse, but for all that money there are superb services and facilities that go with it.

The main clubhouse is a huge and unique bohio that keeps the rain out and lets the breeze in, and provides just the right mix of sunlight and shade. The stables are stucco with Spanish tiles and wooden pillars. Both of these building styles borrow heavily from Panama's ancient traditions, but different ones in each instance. Both also incorporate modern materials and building methods.

The clubhouse from afar --- the horse is more interested in the grass than the thatch

The stables

Inside the restaurant at the club --- they're only open for business Thursdays through Sundays for dinner

From one of the little upstairs meeting rooms

Another inside shot, showing the use of natural light

The tile roofs, orientation toward the prevailing winds, landscaping
and breezeways make the stables more comfortable for the horses

Different building styles and techniques are
combined in this doorless entrance and exit

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