Kua Bay: A Hawaiian Retreat Embracing Nature's Flow

Greg Warner's Award-Winning Design Fuses Architecture with Lava Formation

Warner's inspiration for Kua Bay came from the ancient Hawaiian flow of lava from mountain to sea. The design manipulates this natural phenomenon, immersing the garage and guest house into the topography and re-naturalizing the roofs. The guest bedroom suites offer a striking view of the lava grotto, framing a private terrace with outdoor showers. This sunken experience within the lava terrain evolves into an open and vast oceanic panorama as one steps up on axis in the courtyard.

The architecture of Kua Bay is designed as two L-shaped pavilions positioned on the property lines to frame the courtyard. With clean lines, large openings, and simple geometries, the main house seamlessly frames the ocean, while the guest house emphasizes the beauty of the lava formation. Circulation between spaces is exclusively outdoors, protected from the constant sun and occasional rain by 10-foot roof overhangs around the entire home.

Warner leveraged the lava formation as an opportunity to shield the house, creating a secluded environment prone to internal focus. The garage and guest house structures were closely embedded into the lava topography to reduce visual impact upon arrival and for the benefit of the neighbors further inland. The roofs were carefully re-naturalized with lava and native grasses to compliment the surrounding context. Efficient lighting, building systems, and appliances reduce the project’s energy consumption and water use in this remote location.

The main house seamlessly frames the ocean views with expansive floor-to-ceiling pocketing glass doors. A separate system of pocketing wood screens is designed to soften the sunlight and provide relief from trade winds without compromising the views. This design, admired for its strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcases a remarkable level of excellence and introduces positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

Warner's Kua Bay residence is a testament to the possibilities of integrating architecture with nature. It is a remarkable example of how design can respect and enhance its natural surroundings, creating a living space that is both modern and in harmony with the environment. The project started in September 2013 and was completed in January 2018, earning the Silver A' Design Award in 2021 for its outstanding expertise and innovation.