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Situated above the shoreline in a Gulf Coast community, this elevated beach house offers a restful retreat shaped by light, breeze, and expansive views. Drawing from the local tradition of stilt-frame wood construction, the design lifts the main living level to capture sun, breeze, and shade throughout the day while providing shelter below. Inside, vaulted ceilings create an airy sense of volume, a bright sun room frames the shifting coastal light, and a cozy loft offers an intimate perch for reading or watching the water. Warm materials and simple forms make the home both timeless and deeply connected to its place.

Location

Port Bolivar, Texas

Design Team

Kevin Barden and Joe Rivers

Typology

Residential

Date

2020-2021

Process

Explore

Geodesic Dome Renovation

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.

Troy Schulze

Music and Performance

In this episode, our resident architects Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden visit with Troy Schulze, a stage actor and director, and content producer from Houston Public Media. Joe and Kevin sat down with Troy to discuss his career in acting, how it differs from directing, and his work producing content for public media.

Principal Spotlight: Joe Rivers

Writing

Meet one of our Principals, Joe Rivers! Joe approaches architecture from the bottom up, and is an expert negotiator between details, constructibility and the larger vision of each project. He enjoys cooking and canoeing in his spare time.