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P R O F I L E | O L S O N K U N D I G
I
n this region of Maui—the second
largest in the Hawaiian Islands—
winds can be gentle or fierce,
depending on the season. Taking
this into account, the Olson Kundig
team strategically positioned this
4,500-square-foot home.
Built on a rocky bluff above the Pacific
Ocean, the house offers a unique
panorama. "The 18-acre site had been
neglected and taken over by invasive plant
species," says Olson Kundig Principal/
Owner Tom Kundig. "An important goal for
the project was to heal the site by returning
the majority of the landscape to native
plants." In addition to the exceptional
natural environment, historic surfing huts
also inspired Olson Kundig. The three
similar and connected buildings that
form the house were designed to gently
follow the topography. One of them hosts
the living spaces; the second comprises
the guest suites; and the third is home
to the main sleeping areas. With its pure
lines, the architecture of the whole project
was meant to create a connection with
nature. Among the main characteristics
of the design are the corrugated metal
roofs, which reference their traditional
Hawaiian counterparts, calling to mind
architect Charles William Dickey's work
52 DIGS.NET
| 7.28.23
