But I would think that you would want bigger drainage rock as the bottom layer…so the bigger rock without the fines? My arena drains so well…I can’t imagine that it would drain as well as it does if we hadn’t done the sub base with the fines. But I could be wrong. And I suppose your location and wetness/dryness would play into that as well.
And also, my husband just said that we did 8" of inch and a quarter as the sub base, not 4" (I don’t remember it that way, but he’s usually right when it comes to remembering details like that!). So 8" of inch and a quarter, 4" of quarter inch minus (compacted), and then the arena surface. And then the arena slopes 1% from side to side and end to end. No drains because that bottom rock layer is the drain.
Just want to add my 2¢. The dark, depressing and cold problems are really a result of design, and thoughtful design is not always more expensive than poor design.
Maximize Light
Roof design can incorporate cupolas or dormers to bring in light, an offset roof with clerestory windows, skylights, or translucent panels in the roof.
Wall design can make a huge difference, starting with no exterior walls: open sides will make the space bright and if you do cover any sides of the arena, use translucent panels which are great for diffuse, pleasant light which does not cast shadows. Make sure that the walls are not too short. An 8’ high exterior wall is not going to let in much light. 12’ or higher would be ideal. Deep eaves will create more shade.
The orientation of your building will affect the light you get. Northern windows/openings are best for even light with no shadows. The western sun can cause glare but has benefits too, especially in a northern region. Eastern sun is gentler and if you are a morning person, it will be very pleasant to have the arena bathed in morning light.
Maximize Warmth
Orientate the arena to reduce wind effects: if you block most or all of the side facing the prevailing winds and use translucent wall panels, the arena will be more comfortable and still light and bright. A cost-saving alternative would be to plant a wall of evergreens along the windy side. Select a style (I love Spearmint Junipers) which does not grow too tall and plant them at least ten feet away from the footings so they don’t cause problems.
If cold weather is more of a problem than warm weather, orient your arena so that a long side faces west. You can get even more warmth by covering the western side with inexpensive translucent or transparent panels which will create a greenhouse effect and warm the area inside the arena.
Insulate the ceiling for warmth if you enclose the arena.
Beautify the Interior
You will not have a depressing environment if you have a strong emphasis on aesthetic beauty in your design. That may sound expensive but it doesn’t have to be. For example, warm materials and colors can make a huge difference between having a happy space or a depressing space. Since you live in the north I’m sure you well understand important that is, so avoid cool or dark colors to start with.
Next, give some thought to architectural details which can make a space beautiful. Placement and size of fenestrations (windows/doors/openings) is part of that.
Proportions of the structure can really affect the feel of the space. For example, with such a large building you want to avoid the crowded and oppressive feeling of a ceiling which feels too low relative to the size of the space, even if the actual height is sufficient. Taller walls/sides and the roof pitch can influence that, as well as having a vaulted ceiling rather than a flat one. I find a steeper pitch is more charming outside and feels better on the inside of a large building, but do weigh the extra costs which may be involved.
The materials you use and the fixtures you select can make the difference in how you feel when you ride into that covered arena. Choose thoughtfully.
Avoid junk. In the spirit of keeping your arena Not Depressing, design in neatness and order. Visit a lot of arenas to help you plan for things which can be junky-looking (but necessary) afterthoughts. I don’t know what this would include but some examples that occur to me would be extension cords strung around because outlets weren’t provided in the right spots, hoses which don’t have easy-to-use storage (or maybe more hose bibs for shorter hoses) extra tools and equipment lying around because there is no place to put it, ugly mirrors poorly hung which were clearly not planned for, weeds which need constant maintenance and could have been prevented with a better design, poor-quality items which need constant maintenance, etc.
Symmetry is a design factor which I find to be attractive, especially in larger buildings. It is easy to design and does not necessarily add to the cost (and may be cheaper). I think you have to be more skilled to pull off a beautiful asymmetric design.
PNWJumper, thanks for the details regarding your arena. I think that’s the direction we’re headed–the outdoor rather than small indoor–so getting specifics like that are helpful. Thanks to everyone who commented!
