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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

Briargrove Park Renovation

The family for this renovation was looking to add a bedroom and bathroom to provide space for family to visit and stay for extended periods of time. Using the footprint of the existing garage for a new primary bedroom suite, a new garage was added help frame the existing swimming pool as well as provide a covered outdoor area for entertaining. Additional areas of the home (including laundry facilities and a coffee bar) were renovated to provide more functionality in how the family lives their life.

Joe Rivers

Art and Design

In this episode, our resident architect Kevin Barden visits with our other resident architect Joe Rivers from Houston, Texas. Joe Rivers is principal architect at Rivers Barden Architects. Kevin sat down with Joe to discuss his influences in architecture, his interests outside of architecture, and the life lessons he’s learned along the way.

The Architectural Vernacular of Houston

Writing

As the architectural historian Paul Oliver aptly puts it, “All forms of vernacular architecture are built to meet specific needs, accommodating the values, economies, and ways of life of the cultures that produce them.” In this article, we will explore the various dimensions of architectural vernacular and why it is essential for crafting designs that resonate with the heart and soul of Houston and the Gulf Coast.