American Friends and Patrons are invited to join a full day on Wednesday 26th October 2016 as we explore the Suffolk countryside and three private houses that respond to their surrounds in remarkably different ways.
Walk Barn Farm
Sitting in a wide open pasture surrounded by Suffolk heathland, Walk Barn Farm has been compared to a Frank Lloyd Wright prairie house. Three wings project out in to the landscape with a raised terrace and decked areas nestled between them. Black timber cladding, galvanised steel Crittal windows and polished concrete floors are all materials in keeping with agricultural buildings, but are here employed with a sensitivity that is unmistakably domestic. Designed by Charles Barclay Architects, Walk Barn Farm was awarded a 2013 RIBA Regional Award.
Heveningham Hall
Heveningham Hall is one of the grandest Georgian country homes. Designed and built by Sir Robert Taylor in 1778 around an earlier building of 1714, it was completed a couple of years’ later by James Wyatt, who also designed the interiors. The grounds of just over 200 hectares include landscaping by Capability Brown and further significant buildings such as the Orangery, Temple and icehouse. The present owners have undertaken an extensive programme of restoration. They invite us for lunch and a rare glimpse inside the Hall.
Marsh Hill
Marsh Hill was designed by the RIBA Award-winning practice Mole Architects. Described by Elle Decoration as making buildings that are ‘not just green but gorgeous’, Marsh Hill exemplifies their commitment to cutting-edge sustainability and distinctive design. A twisting zinc roof folds up to contain the master bedroom and a linear plan makes the most of stupendous views over the tidal salt marshes and the River Alde. The owners and the architect invite us to hear how this remarkable home came to be.
As for logistics, we will depart promptly at 7.30am by private coach from RIBA, 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT and will return around 7.30pm. The journey takes a little over three hours each way.
There will be a cost of £50 per person to cover transportation and refreshments.
For more information and to book your place, please contact the Development Office on 0207 307 3809 or Patrons@riba.org.
