The Balancing Barn is situated on the
edge of a tranquil nature reserve a few miles inland from the Suffolk
coast, near the historic towns of Walberswick and Aldeburgh. The
30-meters long hotel is precariously perched atop a small mound of
earth. At midpoint, the Barn starts to cantilever over the descending
slope, a balancing act made possible by the rigid structure of the
building, resulting in 50% of the barn being in free space.
The
structure balances on a central concrete core, with the section that
sits on the ground constructed from heavier materials than the
cantilevered section. The hanging end of the barn even has a swing
underneath.
On entering the Barn, one steps into a kitchen and a large
dining room. A series of four double bedrooms follows, each with
separate bathroom and toilet. In the very centre of the barn the bedroom
sequence is interrupted by a hidden staircase providing access to the
garden beneath. In the far, cantilevered end of the barn, there is a
large living space with windows in three of its walls, floor and
ceiling. The addition of a fireplace makes it possible to experience all
four elements on a rainy day. Full height sliding windows and roof
lights throughout the house ensure continuous views of, access to and
connectivity with nature. The long sides of the structure are well
concealed by trees, offering privacy inside and around the Barn. The
Balancing Barn accommodates up to 8 people. The house was designed by
the Dutch firm MVRDV, who have won a world-wide reputation for the
ingenuity, playfulness and comfort of their designs. 
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