Completed in 2010, this stunning 8,000 sq ft (743 sq m) residence by Belzberg Architects is one of the finest the Sifter has seen. Located in Kona, Hawaii, the property is situated between volcanic mountain ranges to the east and ocean horizons to the west. Photographed beautifully by Benny Chan, my only wish was that there were more images of this residence!

Description from Belzberg Architects

Nestled between cooled lava flows, the Kona residence situates its axis not with the linearity of the property but rather with the axiality of predominant views available to the site. Within the dichotomy of natural elements and geometric hardscape the residence attempts to integrate both the surrounding views of volcanic mountain ranges to the east and ocean horizons westward.

The program is arranged as a series of pods distributed throughout the property, each having its own unique features and view opportunities. The pods are programmatically assigned as two sleeping pods with common areas, media, master suite and main living space. A central axis becomes the organizational and focal feature for the entire house, connecting each of the pods through an exterior gallery corridor.

Together with stacked and cut lava rock, the two materials form a historically driven medium embedded in Hawaiian tradition. 3-D modeling and digital fabrication through CNC machinery was incorporated to further enhance traditional elements in a contemporary arrangement. Local basket weaving culture was the inspiration for the entry pavilion which reenacts the traditional gift upon arrival ceremony. CNC milled ceilings and screens throughout the house continue the abstract approach to traditional Hawaiian wood carving. [Source: Contemporist]

‘Green’ Initiative

To help maintain the environmental sensitivity of the house, 2 separate arrays of roof mounted photovoltaic panels offset the residence energy usage while the choice of darker lava stone help heat the pool water via solar radiation. Rain water collection and redirection to 3 drywells that replenish the aquifer are implemented throughout the property. Reclaimed teak timber from older barns and train tracks are recycled for the exterior of the home.

Credits

Design Architects: Belzberg Architects
Principle: Hagy Belzberg
Project Manager: Barry Gartin
Project Team: W. Andrew Atwood, Bill Bowen, Justin Brechtel, David Cheung, Daniel Rentsch, Cory Taylor
Civil Engineer: Peter Dahlberg
Structural Engineer: William Blakeney Inc.
Mechanical Engineer: Mark Morrison, P.E.
Electrical Engineer: Lighting & Engineering Integrated, Inc.
Plumbing Engineer: Mark Morison, P.E.
Landscape Architects: Belt Collins, Hawaii
Interior Designer: Meg Joannides (MLK Studio)
Contractor: Tinguely Development
Photography: Benny Chan (Fotoworks)

If you enjoyed this post, the Sifter highly recommends: AN OCEAN OF EMOTION: THE VIEW FROM OTTER COVE [CARMEL, CALIFORNIA]