Hawaii Residence / Olson Kundig


© Benjamin Benschneider

© Benjamin Benschneider
  • Architects: Olson Kundig
  • Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States
  • Lead Architects: Tom Kundig (Design Principal), Angus MacGregor (Project Architect)
  • Area: 400.0 m2
  • Project Year: 2011
  • Photographs: Benjamin Benschneider
  • General Contractor: Schuchart/Dow
  • Structural Engineer: MCE Consultants
  • Civil Engineer: Zanovic and Associates
  • Landscape Architect: David Tamura
  • Interior Design: Rodman Primack

© Benjamin Benschneider

© Benjamin Benschneider

From the architect. This Hawaiian home is designed as several pavilions set in a lush tropical landscape.


© Benjamin Benschneider

© Benjamin Benschneider

Inspired by the vernacular architecture of the Polynesian Islands, the majority of the living spaces are on the upper floors, providing inhabitants with a prospect of the ocean and refuge from the elements.


© Benjamin Benschneider

© Benjamin Benschneider

© Benjamin Benschneider

© Benjamin Benschneider

On the ground floor, lava stone is used to visually anchor the buildings to the site and the broader landscape while referencing traditional island building. The structures feature exposed timber frames.


© Benjamin Benschneider

© Benjamin Benschneider

Movable wooden louver screens and six 6’ x 15’ operable roof flaps combine to form part of the natural ventilation and sun shading strategies. Interiors are by RP Miller.


© Benjamin Benschneider

© Benjamin Benschneider