The Kona Residence by Belzberg Architects
Belzberg Architects have recently completed the Kona Residence in Hawaii.
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Description of the Kona Residence by 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. 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. 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.
Project Title: Kona Residence
Year: 2010
Location: Kona, Hawaii
Design Architect: Belzberg Architects
Principal: Hagy Belzberg
Project Manager: Barry Gartin
Project Team:
David Cheung, Carina Bien-Willner, Barry Gartin, Cory Taylor, Andrew Atwood, Chris Arntzen, Brock DeSmit, Dan Rentsch, Lauren Zuzack.
Interiors: MLK Studio
Photography: Benny Chan (Fotoworks), Belzberg Architects.
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amor poligonero on 01 Sep 2010 at 11:23 am #
WWuuuauu!! I love the entrance
------------------ on 01 Sep 2010 at 1:24 pm #
Every element of this project is stunning and very much original. The entrance is pure genius, which could result in other features being overlooked which are also beautiful and original, such as the bed surround and the use of timber on the ceilings. One of the finest pieces of architecture I’ve seen for a while
AMcA on 01 Sep 2010 at 7:15 pm #
Wow. Zero budget restraint architecture. It’s lovely, but I find it all a bit much, unfortunately.
Edgar on 01 Sep 2010 at 7:48 pm #
These guys do some amazing CNC work.
AnicaDeGuzman on 01 Sep 2010 at 8:21 pm #
Challenging design especially with that kind of lot plan.
Love the Ceiling! And ashlar effect… It is very Peter Zumthorish!
Trag Lee on 02 Sep 2010 at 1:45 am #
Amazing architecture! I’ve never seen such awesome design like this!
BjZ on 02 Sep 2010 at 5:12 am #
2 thumbs up! (for those who could afford it)
Sash on 02 Sep 2010 at 6:13 am #
What an architectural overkill! No thanks.
eventagentur berlin on 02 Sep 2010 at 10:00 am #
Congratulations to the owner of this house. Beautiful and quite big. But in a few years I could imagine to have something like this on hawaii too. Probably nice…
Rad on 02 Sep 2010 at 10:18 am #
An amazing piece of Architecture.
Inspiring – Beautiful – Unique – Parametric
Top 5 for residential on this site if not number 1
Oli on 02 Sep 2010 at 11:53 am #
WOW!!
Really Amazing!
Go on!
Miss Honey on 02 Sep 2010 at 3:13 pm #
well, that’s one big house. I like the outdoor area, but that’s it.
AJ on 02 Sep 2010 at 10:32 pm #
Awesome architecture!
Helena on 03 Sep 2010 at 1:18 am #
fantasic woodwork! love the entrance
DS on 04 Sep 2010 at 7:20 am #
Peculiarly incohesive OTT exercise in US style contemporary minimalism. A great room with no views? Barely any room but the master (?) bedroom seem to have any view at all. The plot itself seems bizarre…and I spent 10 years in Hawaii so know great plots are readily available. I have no idea as to what the architect was trying to accomplish or why this was built where it was.
TW on 05 Sep 2010 at 3:53 am #
Whilst the house is quite well thought out in terms of desig, that entry pavillion is simply gratuitous. There is no reason for it and it makes no connection to the rest of the houses architecture.
Seamus on 08 Sep 2010 at 12:21 pm #
I love the rest of the house but the entrance reminds me more of the entrance to some hotel or restaurant.
phil t. on 30 Dec 2010 at 12:55 pm #
I had the great privilege and honor to construct this home. Having built many homes over the past twenty plus years here in Kona within and beyond this client’s budget strata I must say I have never encountered such boldly unique design and material considerations. The residential lot was not particularly great, it is now! I can understand there to be some controversy based on interpretting the home simply from the photo perspectives. Although admittedly bias I can say having been in the home with the family both during the day as well the evening it is most extrodinary. ALL the architectural and landscape elements combined make this home an exceptional design departing from the usual programs and material palates we’ve been accustomed to build in this tropical marine environment. I completely understand why this work is being recognized in publication. When I was originally intorduced to the design in ‘preconstruction’ I must admit I was doubtful the unique and innovative land plan along with the geometrical shapes and features in the architecture would be appropriate for a Hawaii residence. However, at the completion of the project, realizing the overwhelming satisfaction of the finished product by the design team and most importantly the client’s gratification I can confirm the home clearly offers an optimum Hawaii lifestyle. I get it! Well done Belzberg and Team.