A
R
C
H
I
T
E
C
T
U
R
E
+
D
E
S
I
G
N
On the Kona Coast of the Big Island, this project—
designed to encourage interaction and gathering—takes its
cues from the regional, agrarian architecture of old Hawaii
with a contemporar y t wist.
W R I T T E N B Y K A R I N E M O N I É
PHOTOGRAPHS
COURTESY
OF
MATTHEW
MILLMAN
R EI N V ENTING SU M M ER CA M P
"
We believe architecture should be expressive, timeless, and
always in unity with the natural beauty of the site." is
philosophy guides the team at San Francisco-based practice
Walker Warner Architects, who designed this 5,590-square-
foot residence on Hawaii's Big Island. Previously the site of a
working ranch, it has become a holiday retreat surrounded by a
mix of lava and bunch grass with beautiful views of the Pacific
Ocean, adjacent to the cinder cone Pu'u Kuili.
Designed as a modern interpretation of a classic Hawaiian
summer camp, the residence consists of six structures—each
called a hale, or "house" in Hawaiian, combined to create a
kauhale (or "camp")—all connected by a large central lawn. e
main living space comprises the cedar-clad, light-filled kitchen
with a breakfast bar and wooden cabinets; and a dining area,
family room and master suite. Sliding doors provide a seamless
indoor-outdoor lifestyle—which is also highlighted by the
deep roof overhangs—opening to the protected courtyard.
e adjacent pool and tiki bar, two guest hales, a wash house
and a garage complement the project. roughout the whole
property, openness and privacy are subtly intertwined and
perfectly balanced. e pool area, with its cabana that hosts
a lounge, bar and outdoor kitchen (as well as the outdoor
