Boulevard Oaks Addition
Listening to the language of the existing historic home, this addition of a new Garage Quarters, Outdoor Living, Pool, and Gardens blends seamlessly with the property’s original character while enhancing its functionality. Natural light, refined detailing, and careful material choices create a timeless connection between old and new, honoring the neighborhood’s architectural heritage while meeting the needs of contemporary living.
Location
Houston, Texas
Design Team
Kevin Barden, Joe Rivers, and Esmer Leija
Typology
Residential
Date
2021 - 2023
Landscape Architect
Falon Land Studio
General Contractor
Heavenly Homes
Photography
Leonid Furmansky
Process
Explore
Luv Shak 2.0
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
Residential
“I like to see weather changing. The flash and crash of lighting and thunder. I like the morning light before sunrise, the day sounds of life awakening. I like strong wind gusts. I like the sound of rope running through a tackle block.” (Client Manifesto excerpt)
Marcus Martinez
Illustrator, Urban Designer, & Educator
Art and Design
Marcus Martinez is a Houston-based Illustrator whose work has reached beyond architecture into diverse areas such as design, medical technology, and urbanism. Joe and Kevin sat down with Marcus to discuss his early influences and experiences in architecture and design, his sketching process, and what excites him about his work as an illustrator.
Staff Travel: La Alhambra Reflection
Rafia Imran
Writing
In the Fall of 2022, Rafia visited Spain for ten days. Her travels took her to Barcelona, Granada, Toledo, and Madrid. There were many moments that left a lasting impression on her (visiting La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, taking a Paella cooking class, walking through maze-like alleys in Toledo and going on food tours in Madrid), but none left quite as strong of an impression as La Alhambra.