walker warner builds its 'hale nukumoi' as a breezy hawaiian retreat

california’s walker warner architects takes to hawaii

San Francisco-based practice Walker Warner takes to the Hawaiian island of Kauai to realize its ‘Hale Nukumoi.’ A quintessential beach retreat, the architecture is open and casual, nestled amongst the mature palm trees to face directly onto the ocean. The project comprises a main house and guest house, along with a swimming pool within its large yard. The studio notes: ‘An indoor-outdoor lifestyle is exemplified by the home’s airy design: large sliding doors and walls, a custom two-story rain-screen, and layered plantings balance connections to nature with privacy.’

images © Matthew Millman | @matthewmillmanphoto

a pair of beach dwellings nestled beneath the hawaiian palms

Walker Warner Architects divides its Hale Nukumoi between two levels — the ground floor built of pigmented, board-formed concrete, and the upper floor wrapped in dark timber cladding. Deep overhangs are formed by low-pitched roofs which extend out to offer a semi-enclosed transition between the exterior and the interiors. The main house, covering 3,200-square-feet, is organized as a two-story volume off of which is attached a single-story pavilion, creating an L-shaped footprint. The pavilion opens broadly outward on either side by way of window walls that connect the interiors to the pool, the beach, and the landscape beyond.

inside hale nukumoi’s main house

This main house pavilion of Walker Warner Architects’ Hale Nukumoi is programmed with the gathering spaces, including the kitchen and dining areas. The team notes: ‘The kitchen is equipped to support parties and large family gatherings. Living area furnishings — large sofas and side tables — are all on wheels, enabling them to be easily rearranged or shifted to the lanai or poolside for outdoor entertaining.’

‘A connected indoor-outdoor room provides space for an outdoor bar, sitting area, and outdoor grill. Furnishings are modest and comfy, providing ship-like efficiency. Sand colored floors and walls run through the interior, with ceilings and cabinetry clad in wood to match the ceiling beams.’

the guest house: the same functionality with unique spaces

Meanwhile, adjacent to the main house can be found the guest house, covering 2,839-square-feet and two-stories. This structure features all of the functionality of the main house without duplicating spaces. The group continues: ‘Largely devoted to bed rooms, the living and kitchen areas are modest; the five bedrooms arrayed between the two floors. Upstairs, there’s also a recreation room with a pool table, bar, gym, and a covered porch. Outside, a copper mesh rain screen adds a layer of privacy on the park side of the home, while artfully helping to mitigate run-off from the roof.

‘Sand, volcanic rock, and trees come together to establish a subdued and sophisticated palette of materials and colors respectful of the geological and cultural history of the islands.’