Champions Golf Pavilion
Located along the golf side of the existing clubhouse, the design respects and resonates with the existing architectural language on the property, while amplifying and adding to the experience of club.
The project directly responds to the existing colonnades and outdoor walkways around the property instead of imposing a new “form” or “style” onto the clubhouse.
By extending this elegant, architectural language from the Cypress bar, the patio’s quiet presence feels as if it was always intended to be there. The design thoughtfully utilizes the shade from two large existing trees, while maintaining the views of the golf course from the main dining room.
The structure employs an 8’ grid, matching the existing colonnades and facades. The brick pavers and roof both follow the grid, but they do not follow each other. The patio unfolds into the landscape organically and offers both covered and uncovered spaces to enjoy throughout different seasons and times of day.
Location
Houston, Texas
Collaboration
WAL studio
Design Team
Alex Warr, Joe Rivers, and Kevin Barden
Typology
Commercial
Date
2022- 2023
Structural and Civil Engineer
Sarab Engineering
General Contractor
Texana Builders
Photography
Leonid Furmansky
Process
Explore
Walnut Springs Guest House
Johnson City, Texas
Residential
Perched on a small rock outcropping in Hill Country, the Walnut Springs Guest House offers a nature driven getaway for a city-dwelling family. Two stone masses frame two porches and a large gathering space while sheltering the bedroom and utility areas. Butterfly and hipped roofs focus views and sculpt light.
Kevin Barden
Architect
Art and Design
In this episode, our resident architect Joe Rivers sits down with our other resident architect Kevin Barden from Minnetonka, Minnesota. Kevin and Joe first met at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, over a decade ago. Since then, Kevin's journey in architecture has taken him many places, including Chur, Switzerland where he studied and worked for two and half years, and Houston, Texas where Rivers Barden Architects laid its roots. Joe sat down with Kevin to discuss his beginning in architecture, his influences, and his mantra for living a fulfilled life.
The Elegance of Elevation
Joe Rivers
Writing
While the economic appeal of slab-on-grade construction may be tempting for developers and builders, the long-term benefits of elevated foundations far outweigh the initial cost considerations for homeowners. In this exploration, we will delve into the significance of raised foundations in the context of Houston and the Gulf Coast, unraveling the advantages and acknowledging the challenges that come with this architectural choice.