Markdel: Freedman Brothers Thoroughbred Training Complex
Client: Freedman Brothers Incorporated
Location: Rye, Victoria
Services: Property and facility masterplanning, Architectural design
Our design for this world-class training precinct exemplifies the raising of best practice standards through smart design that rejects stable norms, and prioritises equine comfort and agency.
We were engaged by the Freedman brothers to design their training complex in Rye. An initial discussion between us led to the consensus that a courtyard-style environment would met the need for security and address site constraints, and the harsh coastal conditions. A courtyard configuration also meant horses could easily see each other and the activity within the complex, which ultimately improved their state of calm, wellbeing and, ultimately, performance.
Located on an exposed coastal site, housing valuable, world-class horses meant security was a priority. We addressed this by arranging the facility around a central courtyard, which limits visibility from the street. Our design then evolved to include two strategically positioned internal courtyards. The layout was informed by the track location, which was already completed, leaving a wedge in the corner of the property for an 85-horse stable facility, storage, a front-of-house office with staff lunchroom and bathroom amenities.
Via thorough consultation we came to understand the routines and logistics of onsite staff and allowed us to build in functionality that enabled staff to work more safely and efficiently.
A seemingly simple, practical design using durable materials, we embedded design features that raise best practice standards for equine care. The high canopies provide ventilation, ensuring temperate conditions throughout, while also negating the need for insulation on the underside of the roof. Strategically, these also overlap at various heights, providing shade, while also saving space within the tight wedge-shaped site. Enhancing horse safety, the canopy roofs cantilever out over pathways, avoiding the need for handlers and horses to navigate poles and obstructions.
Crucially, the design of the stables provided swing doors so the typical crossbars above stable doors could be omitted, thus avoiding the valuable thoroughbreds rearing and hitting their heads and causing serious injury.
Drawing on our design expertise and understanding of equine welfare, we were able to comfortably tessellate space for 85 horses into the courtyard stables, alongside training requirements.
The client embraced equine welfare-focussed inclusions such as social connection between horses, which positively impact performance. From this complex the Freedman's team produced no less than eighty Group 1 winners including the renowned Melbourne Cup winner, Makybe Diva.
Our analytical approach to this large-scale project saw us meet the economic, efficiency, safety and functional requirements, all the while significantly providing an environment that enhanced the psychological and physical wellbeing of horses and handlers alike.
“Markdel is designed by horse people who know how to accommodate the needs of the horses and provide an environment to get the best out of them. I have worked in France and America, and yet this is the most uniquely designed facility and gets the most out of the horses - they are very relaxed and thrive here.
The training complex has great flexibility and this suits the needs of individual horses. The horses are quiet, train and rest very well.”
Sam Pritchard-Gordan
Racing Manager, Freedman Brothers
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