Menlo Circus Club
Atherton, California

LDA Architects designed a twenty thousand square foot replacement barn and a small attached clubhouse for Menlo Circus Club’s equestrian members. The barn/ clubhouse sits opposite the entry road from the original Spanish Mission-Style clubhouse. The new structure respects the primacy of the original clubhouse yet establishes its own identity for its equestrian constituents.

Clad in rough sawn plywood panels, the barn embodies the rugged nature of the function of housing sixty-six horses. Yet, the design is also sensitive to the needs and comforts of its prized occupants. The layout of the barn provides all horses with access to natural light and air. Skylights and wide aisles allow horses to be exercised in bad weather.

The new clubhouse attached to the barn will be the social hub for the equestrian members. It has a large, high ceiling lounge with exposed wood beams above. The trellised portico allows social events in the lounge to spill out into the garden.

The clubhouse is also clad in rough sawn plywood siding to match the barn. It has an asphalt shingle roof with copper trim. The interior of the clubhouse utilizes natural, hardworking materials such as tongue and groove wood paneling and soapstone counters to give it rugged elegance without the feel of preciousness.