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This renovation transforms a 1980s geodesic dome, originally conceived during the height of the energy crisis, into a bright, connected, and contemporary home. A new primary suite frames views of the surrounding forest, while an open kitchen maintains visual and acoustic connection to the living and dining areas. Fresh finishes throughout renew the interior without erasing its character. Designed decades ago as a “cabin in the woods” close to the city, the original home reflected its owners’ commitment to energy conservation and forward-thinking design. In updating it, the challenge was clear: How can something new honor and love what’s old? How can the essence of a place be carried forward without losing what makes it special?

Location

Minnetonka, Minnesota

Design Team

Kevin Barden and Joe Rivers

Typology

Residential

Date

2022-2024

Interior Design

I/O Design Office

Structural Engineering

Larsen Engineering

General Contractor

Sexton and Associates

Photography

Leonid Furmansky

Process

Explore

The Tree Farm Clubhouse

Located on an ideal site featuring sandy soils and rolling topography near Aiken, South Carolina, The Tree Farm Clubhouse seeks to bring to life a transcendent modern golf experience that respects, amplifies, and blends in with the natural landscape. In line with this vision, there will be no flashy buildings driven by a desire for luxurious experiences. Instead, the master plan and buildings for the project all work toward creating simple, thoughtful spaces that are rooted in and responsive to the place, climate, culture, and rich history of the game of golf.

Kari Breitigam

Art and Design

In this episode, our resident architects Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden visit with Kari Breitigam, a multidisciplinary artist, teacher, and jeweler from Houston, Texas. Joe and Kevin sat down with Kari to discuss her work as an art instructor, her growth from working with painting to many mediums, and the ideas surrounding her current work.

Sicily Sketch Essay

Drawing and Photography

In the summer of 2008, Kevin visited Sicily for two weeks.  Traveling by train, car, and foot, various sites ranging in time, material, and typology around the island were observed, explored, and studied.  This sketch essay captures a handful of the moments and experiences from the trip.