Immersed in the Islands
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With the boundaries between the living and dining areas only minimally defined, the space is more conducive to entertaining—all amid wide-angle views of the horizon. Anne Gunderson, of Gunderson Design, handled the interiors. Sofa, open-back chairs and low table, Holly Hunt. Sofa and armchair fabric, Sahco Hesslein. Sofa pillow fabric, Great Plains.
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Architect Jim Olson was chosen by a couple seeking a retreat for their seaside property on Hawaii's Kohala Coast. The nature-embracing contemporary expression he created for them, 10,000 square feet in all, draws from concepts rooted in traditional Asian design.
In the entrance hall, the Pacific is a constant focal point. The Christian Liaigre tribal bench is from Holly Hunt.
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At the front of the house, a raised reflecting pool sets the tone.
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The design of the master suite, which is situated in a separate wing, takes full advantage of the site's natural assets. With deep roof overhangs—the soffits of which are richly surfaced in teak—protecting the wide expanses of glass, spectacular vistas can be had from a shaded vantage point.
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The plan illustrates how the functions are dispersed into multiple wings along the beachfront.
1 Entrance Hall
2 Kitchen
3 Living/Dining Area
4 Study
5 Guest Rooms
6 Master Suite
7 Game Room
8 Garage
9 Pool
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Sliding shutters in the master suite open the tub to the skies and the gardens.
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On the oceanfront side of the property, where the infinity-edge pool appears almost as a natural element in landscape architect David Tamura's treatment, the Japanese influence on the main house's form is especially evident. To give it a greater perspective of its surroundings, Olson set the building high on a table of indigenous lava rock. "We wanted the house to be of the land, of the site," says the husband.