The construction firm Olson Kundig designed five pavilions with cantilevered roofs that together create this unique residence situated on a lava field in Hawaii.
The Hale Lana House is a spacious 17,200 square foot (1,598 square meter) residence designed for a couple who wanted ample space to host large gatherings on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Each pavilion is slightly elevated above the flat magma plain of the lava bed, which lends the home its nickname—the “suspended home.” Surrounding the grass-covered houses, red and black volcanic rocks are stacked, forming a continuous “small hill” at the perimeter.
“Our goal was to make the residence feel like a transparent pavilion in the Hawaiian landscape, both inside and out,” said Tom Kundig, Olson Kundig’s lead designer.
The glass walls and open corridors face lush greenery and are enclosed by a full circle of rock walls surrounding the home.
The house features a double-pitched roof covered with corrugated metal, echoing the traditional Hawaiian home style. This expansive canopy spans all five pavilions, extending over wooden decks at the edges of each structure.
“The roof design embraces Hawaii’s architectural language — the broad canopy channels the prevailing trade winds, allowing them to flow throughout the entire interior,” Kundig explained. This project elevates that concept with very long overhangs and meticulously precise roof edges.
Sliding glass doors open from all five pavilions onto surrounding terraces, providing seamless indoor-outdoor living.
A series of adjustable wooden louvers on tracks allow for control over sun exposure and wind direction, adapting to changing environmental conditions.
The largest pavilion, enclosed by sliding glass doors, houses the kitchen, main living area, and several bedrooms. A covered porch connects this central unit to four additional buildings: the master suite, guest suite, multipurpose space, and a standalone cottage.
Inside, the ceiling flows seamlessly from beneath the roof canopy, creating a cohesive interior space.
The standalone cottage includes a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a black bar counter, and seating. It faces a long swimming pool in the backyard. Wooden stools, outdoor dining tables, and sofas furnish the connecting deck between the pavilions.
△ Location Map
△ Plan View
Since its founding in 1966 by architect Jim Olson, Olson Kundig has completed numerous projects, including residential properties in the Brazilian rainforest and a large house overlooking West Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Project Information
Design Creator: Tom Kundig
Project Manager: Todd Matthes
Project Architect: Katherine Ranieri
Architectural Design Member: Gregory Nakata
Interior Design: Debbie Kennedy
Interior Design Team: Amanda Chenoweth, Kathy Hanway, Maresa Patterson, Crisanna Siegert
General Contractor: Dowwet
Civil Engineering: Kona Wai Engineering
Structural Engineering: MCE Structural Consultants
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: WSP
Landscape Architect: David Y. Tamura Associates
Lighting Design: Niteo Lighting
Swimming Pool Consultant: Kai Pono Builders
Steel and Wood Assembly Consultant: Spearhead Inc
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