hale kiawe: walker warner's hidden gem along the hawaiian coastline

a minimalistic hawaiian haven

San Francisco-based architecture firm Walker Warner takes to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii to complete Hale Kiawe, a contemporary dwelling sited amidst a grove of kiawe trees. Designed in collaboration with Philpotts Interiors, the project embodies a minimalist aesthetic while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere through a palette of natural materials and interiors bathed by patterned sunlight filtered through its timber facades. The home was curated for simplicity and was inspired by principles of Vastu Shastra — an ancient Hindu architecture theory. Thus, it is a tranquil escape that prioritizes a connection with nature and harmonious living.

images © Matthew Millman

walker warner draws from hindu design principles

The teams at Walker Warner and Philpotts Interiors realize Hale Kiawe as a reflection of the client’s desire for a space that is stripped down to the essentials. Informed by Vastu Shastra, the layout centers around the entry, facing east as per Indian tradition, and unfolds into a series of different living areas. Open and spacious, these rooms offer a sense of serenity and renewal while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Taking cues from the pastoral structures that once dotted the landscape, the home features simple lines and geometries clad in corrugated metal roofing and natural wood siding. This contrasts with the undulating landscape and postcard coastline beyond.

Hale Kiawe embraces simplicity, inspired by Vastu Shastra principles

hale kiawe is hidden amidst lush grasses and lava rock

The east-facing entry of Walker Warner’s Hale Kiawe is hidden from the road and leads through a meandering pathway toward a water feature and an enclosed lanai. This tranquil open-air pavilion serves as the heart of the home. The architecture rests gracefully above a bed of tall grasses and lava rock, reflecting the arid climate’s influence on the open design. Large windows and full-height doors throughout the house offer scenic views and maintain a strong connection with the natural surroundings. The muted color palette further reflects the landscape, avoiding competition with the natural beauty of the island.

a meandering path leads to a tranquil lanai, the heart of the home

The once barren terrain has been transformed into a lush oasis with native and naturalized plant-life. This delicate balance between vegetation and lava flows is sheltered under the canopy of kiawe trees. The thoughtful integration of plants weaves together the built space and landscape, lending a sense of unity. The interiors feature custom-made furniture sourced from Bali, Mexico, and India, reflecting the homeowners’ diverse background. Kiawe wood, sourced locally whenever possible, is used for various elements, including the master bedroom’s desk and side tables, and the headboard crafted from Hawaiian Ash.

open living spaces and natural materials connect interiors to the Hawaiian landscape
the architecture is hidden amongst native plants and lava flows

large windows and muted colors offer scenic views and peaceful ambiance

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project info:

project title: Hale Kiawe

architecture: Walker Warner | @walkerwarnerarchitects

location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States

interior design: Philpotts Interiors | @philpottsinteriors

built area: 5,600 square meters

completion: 2022

photography: © Matthew Millman | @matthewmillmanphoto

principal: Greg Warner
senior project manager: Sharon Okada
job captain: Matthew Marsten
designer: Vivi Lowery

construction: Metzler Contracting Co.
landscape: Tamura Designs
lighting: Eric Johnson Associates
structural: GFDS Engineers
civil: Aina Engineers
mechanical, plumbing: Mark Morrison Mechanical Engineering
electrical: Morikawa & Associates
geotechnical: Geolabs, Inc.
millwork: Wick Rice Cabinetry