Hale Kiawe

After years of visiting Hawaii on family vacations, this couple, now empty nesters, wanted to settle down in one of their favorite places. They wanted a home that felt warm, welcoming, and soulful, and as minimalists, they desired a space that was an exercise in restraint. To create such a place, while also honoring their Indian heritage, they sought to incorporate the principles of Vastu Shastra—an ancient Indian architectural system based on harnessing the energies and elements of nature.

When the site was selected, it was a barren tract of land, save for the underpinnings of a long-forgotten building and a scattering of kiawe trees where flourishing groves once stood. The design team discovered that lava had formerly flowed through the site, following its natural path from mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean), so it was critical that this history be echoed through the home’s built form.

A meandering pathway and water feature lead to an enclosed lanai, which serves as the entry and heart of the home. The open-air pavilion transitions from the busyness of the outside world to the calm within. The structures draw inspiration from the agrarian buildings that once dotted the area, with simple lines and geometries creating a striking contrast with the undulating landscape and stunning coastline in the distance.

The simple color palette inside reflects the muted tones outside, avoiding any competition with the beauty of the landscape. The architecture, in perfect harmony with the terrain, hovers above a bed of grasses and molten rock—emblematic of an era when lava ran through the site.

The residence is situated to harness the island’s cooling winds, increasing the presence of natural ventilation. Deep overhangs protect against the sun and temper heat gain, minimizing the reliance on mechanical cooling. Nearby Kiawe trees that fell during a brutal storm were salvaged and repurposed throughout the property, serving as exterior steps as well as seating around an outdoor firepit.

The landscape design prioritized reviving the land and paying homage to the surrounding environment. Plantings are thoughtfully integrated into the site, restoring a sense of unity between the built and natural environment—now gracefully sheltered under a canopy of kiawe trees. Additional kiawe trees were strategically planted to mirror the lava flow, while the remaining landscape is predominantly composed of plant species that can thrive without irrigation. The hardened lava rock traversing the site, left untouched during groundwork, intentionally remained preserved.