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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

Albert Cabin

Stepping through the stone wall portal marks a threshold from city life to the quiet rhythms of the Texas Hill Country. The cabin’s warm wood interiors and expansive glazing open to the surrounding oaks and sky. In the mornings, the southeast-facing bath welcomes the first light; in the evenings, the southwest-facing bedroom frames sunsets and starlit skies.

Zach Tarrant

Art and Design

In this episode, our resident architects Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden visit with Zach Tarrant, a sports photographer from Houston, Texas. Zach is a professional sports photographer for the NFL’s Houston Texans. Joe and Kevin sat down with Zach to discuss his winding journey to the NFL, his duties as a team photographer, and the themes central to his work.

The Elegance of Elevation

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.