Kona Hawaii – Belzberg Architects
Built: 2010
Area: 740 m2 (8,000 sq. ft.)
While a home of this size and in this location may not be on the bucket list for everyone, we think that there are so many innovative ideas, that it is a home worth featuring.
We’ll rely on the architects to describe the purpose and function of the home:
Nestled between cooled lava flows, the Kona residence situates its axis not with the linearity of the property, but rather with the axiality of the predominant views available to the site. Within the dichotomy of natural elements and a geometric hardscape, the residence integrates 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 room, master suite and main living space. An exterior gallery corridor becomes the organisational and focal feature for the entire house, connecting the two pods along a central axis.
To help maintain the environmental sensitivity of the house, two separate arrays of roof mounted photovoltaic panels offset the residents’ energy usage while the choice of darker lava stone help heat the pool water via solar radiation. Rainwater collection and redirection to three drywells that replenish the aquifer are implemented throughout the property. Reclaimed teak timber from old barns and train tracks are recycled for the exterior of the home. Coupled with stacked and cut lava rock, the two materials form a historically driven medium embedded in Hawaiian tradition. Local basket weaving culture was the inspiration for the entry pavilion which re-enacts the traditional gift upon arrival ceremony. Various digitally sculpted wood ceilings and screens, throughout the house, continue the abstract approach to traditional Hawaiian woodcarving, further infusing traditional elements into the contemporary arrangement.
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