Situated in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, this lovely family retreat embraces the spirit of Mauka-Makai ? the symbolic flow of lava from mountain to sea?through its direct connections to the volcanic landscape and dramatic vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

Description
Kua Bay Residence?s site captures the stark contrasts between land and sea in the Hawaiian topography. On the mountain side of the property, dark lava formations create a dramatic backdrop. On the ocean side, the immediate adjacency to the turquoise oceanfront makes you feel as if you are standing on the edge of the earth. The challenge was to manipulate the site so that the buildings would blend with the landscape while providing a graceful and multi-layered experience from mountain to sea. The private driveway on the mountain side of the property cuts into existing 15-foot-high lava rock formations, shielding the property from surrounding neighbors and reducing its visual impact from the roadway. Descending into the autocourt, the garage and guest hale structures are embedded into the natural lava topography. The living roof, renaturalized with lava rock and native grasses further emphasizes the buildings direct relationship with the site.
Decorative corten steel panels screen the autocourt from the rest of the property and direct guests toward the courtyard and ocean views beyond. This entry sequence provides a transitional experience from the sunken autocourt surrounded by lava, stepping up ...