House Floating Above a Lava Field in Hawaii

Named "Hale Lana," which translates as "Floating Home," the house embraces its surroundings with its striking and integrated architecture. Situated against the spectacular backdrop of Hawaii's Big Island, this 1,598-square-meter home was conceived as a series of cantilevered-roof pavilions, forming a harmonious interconnection between spaces.
The house gently rises above the lava ground, as if floating over the expanse of red and black lava fields, creating a breathtaking scene. The name "Hale Lana" is fitting, as each pavilion appears to hover over the bed of lava, and the transparency between indoor and outdoor environments is a notable feature. Glass walls and open walkways allow residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the lush surrounding vegetation and the imposing monolithic rock walls that embrace the property.
Hawaiian inspiration is present in every detail, particularly in the corrugated metal roofs reminiscent of traditional island homes. These double-pitched cantilevered roofs create spacious covered lanais, perfectly designed to capture ocean breezes and allow air to flow seamlessly through the house. A true celebration of Hawaiian architecture, these roofs not only pay homage to the local aesthetic but also introduce a new level of engineering with their extended overhangs and precisely defined edges.
Each of the five pavilions is equipped with sliding glass doors that open onto covered lanais wrapping around each unit. Adjustable wood panels function as shutters, enabling control over ever-changing environmental conditions, offering protection from sun exposure and wind direction.
At the heart of the house, the largest pavilion houses a complete kitchen and the main living area. A covered lanai connects it to the other four pavilions: the master suite, guest suite, utility space, and cabana. Inside, wooden plank ceilings extend seamlessly from the underside of the roof, creating a sense of continuity between indoors and outdoors.
The cabana opens up to an expansive pool, an irresistible invitation to relax and enjoy the tropical climate. Wooden benches, outdoor dining tables, and sofas are arranged in the deck spaces between the interconnected units.
A notable aspect of this residence is its commitment to sustainability and environmental performance. The generous overhangs provide ample shade and cool lanais, ensuring that the spaces remain comfortable even on the warmest days.
Hale Lana is truly a masterpiece of architectural design, where each pavilion resonates with the beauty and serenity of the surrounding landscape. The intelligent use of natural materials, such as cedar wood and ipe, enriches the visual and tactile experience, creating a warm sensation in the interiors. The continuous connection between the pavilions, elevated walkways, along with meticulous attention to detail, creates an atmosphere where the spirit of Hawaii melds with modern comfort.
Project info:
Name: Hale Lana
Location: Kona, Hawaii, USA
Project Size: 17,211 SF
Year: 2018
Architecture: Olson Kundig
Design principal: Tom Kundig
Project manager: Todd Matthes
Project architect: Katherine Ranieri
Architectural staff: Gregory Nakata
Interior design: Debbie Kennedy
Interior design staff: Amanda Chenoweth, Kathy Hanway, Maresa Patterson and Crisanna Siegert
Photography: Nic Lehoux
0:00 - Lava Field
0:34 - Living Room
1:46 - The Cabana
2:53 - Sliding Wood Panels
4:03 - Master Suite
4:48 - Secondary/Service Entrance
5:24 - Lanais and Walkways Connect the Pavilions
6:03 - Guest Suites
6:24 - Floating on Lava
8:29 - Drawings

[@marks1324]

Once in awhile, you see a truly magnificent home. This is one of those homes.

[@Danthree.studio]

Absolutely stunning architecture! The way Hale Lana blends with its natural surroundings is mesmerizing. The transparent division between indoor and outdoor spaces is genius, and those glass walls offer such a seamless view of the stunning Hawaiian landscapes. Love how the project is rooted in sustainability, from the extensive overhangs that provide shade to the smart use of natural materials. It's impressive how every detail captures the essence of Hawaii while setting new standards in modern design. Kudos to Olson Kundig and the entire team! 👏🌴🏠

[@stevenmonte7397]

Beautiful! I would love it!

[@merrywalsh2809]

Ah, Olson Kundig. Sublime.

[@wandawilliams2505]

Very nice . Lava

[@jeielcesar4120]

La meilleure vidéo de la chaîne d

[@NicheArchDesign]

very nice lanscape.. must have a good structure for the foundation

[@banprankunhan2389]

This is very beautiful.

[@annesand7157]

My Mom and Dad are both from the Big Island. They always said never good to build near where the Volcano lava flows.

[@adamndirtyape]

A message to architects who may watch this: Nobody needs bathrooms with glass walls. Really, just stop it already. But other than that sour note about this house, it is quite spectacular.

[@carloszang]

Dude, if you observe the bathtub area, it's enclosed by stone walls in the shape of a U (check the floor plan) and the U is closed off with dense vegetation on the sides... This house is perfect even down to these details...

[@beachgal2023]

They may be using smart glass for privacy. Chill

[@Zergcerebrates]

Speak for yourself, I want bathrooms with glass walls. It feels open and free.

[@petertousignant6566]

If this is an active area it’s going to need to float a lot higher to be safe from any lava flow. They keep referencing lava field but the Hawaiian islands are all formed by lava flows, but it sounds way more exotic “floating over lava “.

[@zonzillamagnus5902]

I would LOVE to have open windows in a private area with greenery

[@marthabrenes1351]

Bello Gracias

[@jedwards1792]

Gorgeous

[@henryarn]

Beautiful home. Built on a lava field? I don't know about that. It didn't go well for the last house that was there. Good luck!

[@ulitkabob7567]

Прочитала коментарии согласна со всеми.. И что лава прийдет, и ветер, и бедность народа и преступность. Но красота чудесная красота! Кругом такой мир!

[@s.lionelmcauley4455]

too much wonderful:)

[@alangomes7840]

Um Conceito há se respeita !

[@bryantperkins2632]

Pure

[@tazdevil5032]

Wow? a home built on a lava field...

[@aliferetidewa4561]

👏👏👏

[@trainwreck420ish]

It's basically the Farnsworth house. Been there

[@HawaiianJou]

Beautiful home. Perhaps the narrator or whoever is in charge of the robotic voice should consider learning a little about the Hawaiian language. “Hale” is pronounced “Hah-leh”. Ugh! Haoles trying to sell Hawai’i and not really knowing a thing about the language or culture. The only problem I see is that if they are building on a lava field, chances are lava will once again claim the land in the future. Madame Pele likes her land pristine and pono!

[@jagpilotohio]

That roof is gonna be a goner in the next hurricane! 😂

[@alc4864]

This is beautiful. Anyone know what it cost? Google but couldn't find anything

[@sweeyong7756]

only possible with zero crime rate or 24 hour armed security. otherwise spectacular house with ocean view. reminds me of home.

[@Biden2024MFs]

it's burnt down now... GG

[@ntr-cptr7709]

Pronounced Ha-Leh Lah-Nah

[@triaamohamed6371]

Combien coûte cette maison et le nom de l'architecte qui l'a bâti

[@mirageon]

It's designed by architect Olson Kundig, and their headquarters are located in Seattle: olsonkundig.com/

[@tropicaussie4572]

"Hale " is pronounced HA lay in Hawai'i !!

[@rchaselius3923]

I know! I groaned right off the bat when the AI narrator said "Hail."

[@vavanz]

Did you see the soil? If lava was here before, it can come again. No thanks.

[@merrywalsh2809]

In geological terms, not in your insignificant lifetime. We all suffer from ethnocentrism, thinking our lifetimes are so significant. They are a sneeze on the earth. Aloha 🌈

[@rhyothemisprinceps1617]

ethnocentrism - noun - evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one's own culture. @@merrywalsh2809

[@rhyothemisprinceps1617]

That's why the Big Island has such low population density. However, if you are very wealthy, you can afford disposable homes.

[@kennixox262]

Looks to be on the Kona side and less likely. Depends on what designated lava zone that this was built.

[@jordansme1234567]

Lava zones work and thisbwoudlnt be built on a 1 or 2 idiot.. lava unlikely to ever come again in 100 years

[@user-cb6nm6tn3i]

Be Ttn

[@constantineandreu9377]

Hail😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@user-cb6nm6tn3i]

MmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmMjLn

[@BbBb-sd2bs]

How can you live like this when there are people in shacks down the street?