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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

Champions Golf Pavilion

The new Founder’s Patio at Champions Golf Club offers an exciting opportunity for dining, relaxing and enjoying the golf club. 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.

Preston Brown

Food and Beverage

In this episode our resident architects Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden visit with Preston Brown, a home brew supply store owner from Houston, Texas. Preston Brown has been crafting home brews for over a decade. During that time, he's made a name for himself in the Houston craft beer scene, having co-hosted a radio show, co-founded a brewing club, and last Fall opening his own home brew supply store, The Grain Cellar in Humble, Texas. Joe and Kevin chat with Preston about going all-in on brewing and his new store and the value of resourcefulness.

A Place of Passing

Writing

In the summer of 2022, Kevin’s dad passed away. In this essay, Kevin reflects about the qualities of growing up in a geodesic dome as well as the beginnings of a deeper understanding of a “forever home”.