Kua Bay House

Needless to say, Hawaii is one of the world’s most breathtaking parts of the world and is home to some of the most mesmerising modern architecture out there. Kua Bay House from Walker Warner Architects can definitely be added to that list and it boasts some of the most luxurious and eye-catching interiors and exteriors that you’re likely to encounter.

Kua Bay House from Walker Warner Architects is positioned along a rugged, jaw-dropping stretch of coastline and really embraces the spirit of Mauka-Makai – which is the symbolic flow of lava from mountain to sea -through its direct connections to the volcanic landscape and glorious and majestic vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

Luxury Inside and Out

The plot on which you find Kua Bay House expertly embodies the stark contrasts between land and sea in the Hawaiian topography. On the mountain side of the property, dark lava formations deliver a dramatic backdrop that turn heads aplenty. On the ocean side of the home, the immediate proximity to the glistening oceanfront will make you feel like you are standing on the edge of the earth.

The challenge with Kua Bay House from Walker Warner Architects was to manipulate the plot so that the buildings would perfectly fit in with the existing landscape while ensuring a graceful and multi-layered experience from mountain to sea. The sheltered driveway found on the mountain side of the home cuts into existing 15 foot high lava rock formations, which shields Kua Bay House from surrounding neighbours and lessens its visual impact from the roadway.

Descending into the autocourt, the garage and guest hale elements of the property are embedded into the natural lava topography for an unparalleled visual impact that we’re loving here at Coolector HQ. The living roof, renaturalised with lava rock and native grasses additionally adds focus to the buildings direct relationship with the plot on which it positioned.

Bringing Outside In

Merging the lines between the inside and outside of Kua Bay House is the courtyard which is framed by a raised tree bosquet and lava outcrops which are brought to life by a number of reflecting ponds. The courtyard serves as a private gathering space which is set apart from the trade winds where guests can take in and appreciate the views of the mountains and the sea.

A magnificent piece of modern architecture from Walker Warner, Kua Bay House delivers such a striking visual impact that is impossible to ignore. The materials used in the construction of the home includes basalt, Alaska Yellow Cedar and steel—are simple, tailored and unadorned, and used for both interior and exterior surfaces. Furnishings are understated and lean towards lightly-coloured sofas and chairs which act as a counterpoint to the dark lava and basalt that surround the home.

Leo Davie
Latest posts by Leo Davie (see all)