DESIGN NAME: Kua Bay
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Residence
INSPIRATION: This family retreat embraces the ancient Hawaiian flow of lava from mountain to sea. The lava formation was manipulated to immerse the garage and guest hale into the natural topography and to re-naturalize the roofs. The focal point of the guest bedroom suites is the striking lava grotto that frames a private terrace with outdoor showers. The sunken experience within the lava terrain evolves as you step up on axis in the courtyard, revealing the open and vast oceanic panorama.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: To appreciate the spectacular Hawaiian landscape, the architecture was designed as two L-shaped pavilions positioned on the property lines to frame the courtyard. With clean lines, large openings and simple geometries, the main hale seamlessly frames the ocean while the guest hale emphasizes the beauty of the lava formation. Circulation between spaces is exclusively outdoors, protected from the constant sun and occasional rain by 10 foot roof overhangs around the entire home.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The main hale seamlessly frames the ocean views with expansive floor-to-ceiling pocketing glass doors. A separate system of pocketing wood screens is designed to soften the sunlight and provide relief from trade winds without compromising the views.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Project start date: September 2013.
Project completion date: January 2018.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Architecture, Building and Structure Design
|
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The lava formation was leveraged as an opportunity to shield the house, creating a secluded environment prone to internal focus. The garage and guest hale structures were closely embedded into the lava topography to reduce visual impact upon arrival and for the benefit of the neighbors further inland. The roofs were carefully re-naturalized with lava and native grasses to compliment the surrounding context.
Efficient lighting, building systems and appliances reduce the project’s energy consumption and water use in this remote location. In a demanding climate, the high-performance building envelope and large roof overhangs surround the house to maintain thermal comfort.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Lot size: 1.743 Acres.
Square footage:
Main Hale: 4,687 sf.
Guest Hale: 909 sf.
Garage: 2,016 sf.
TAGS: Hawaii, Residence, Lava, Architecture, Modern, Courtyard
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: -
CHALLENGE: -
ADDED DATE: 2021-02-28 17:42:43
TEAM MEMBERS (11) : Principal Architect: Greg Warner, Architect: John Pierson, General Contractor: Robin Ledson, Interior Designer: Nicole Hollis, Landscape Architect: Ron Lutsko, Lighting Designer: Eric Johnson, Civil Engineer: Stephen J. Herbert, Structural Engineer: Kris Johnson, Mechanical Engineer: Mark Morrison, Electrical Engineer: Halina Gruszka and Audio Visual Engineer: Scott Marchand
IMAGE CREDITS: Photography: Douglas Friedman
|