The Tree Farm Cabins
Nestled within the pine forest of The Tree Farm near Aiken, South Carolina, the golf cabins are conceived as quiet companions to the land. Set among sandy soils and native understory, they are intentionally modest in form and material, designed to blend into the landscape rather than stand apart from it. Simple rooflines, restrained detailing, and natural finishes emphasize durability, clarity, and comfort over spectacle. Each cabin is carefully sited to preserve trees, capture soft light, and create a calm, understated sense of arrival. Together, the cabins support rest and reflection while honoring the climate, landscape, and enduring traditions of the game.
Location
New Holland, South Carolina
Collaboration
Alex Warr
Design Team
Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden
Typology
Commercial
Date
2020-2024
Interior Design
Charlotte Lucas Interior Design
General Contractor
Barringer Construction
Owner's Representative
Playbook Management
Photography
Leonid Furmansky
Process
Explore
Port Bolivar Beach House
Port Bolivar, Texas
Residential
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.
Kevin Barden
Architect
Art and Design
In this episode, our resident architect Joe Rivers sits down with our other resident architect Kevin Barden from Minnetonka, Minnesota. Kevin and Joe first met at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, over a decade ago. Since then, Kevin's journey in architecture has taken him many places, including Chur, Switzerland where he studied and worked for two and half years, and Houston, Texas where Rivers Barden Architects laid its roots. Joe sat down with Kevin to discuss his beginning in architecture, his influences, and his mantra for living a fulfilled life.
Staff Travel: Mexico City
Esmer Leija
Writing
Over the past few years, Esmer has made multiple trips to Mexico City. She had the opportunity to visit The Pyramids of Teotihuacan, La Casa Azul de Frida Kahlo and the first Latin-American Architecture Exhibition of Zaha Hadid’s work. The following is a reflective essay of her travels.