Architect Olson Kundig
Partner Goldbrecht
Photographer Nic Lehoux
Overlooking the lava fields and lush gardens of Big Island, Hale Lana House, designed by Olson Kundig, unfolds as a series of floating pavilions connected by terraces and elevated gardens. Conceived as a family retreat, the home combines intimacy and openness, offering both gathering spaces and a deep connection to the Hawaiian climate and landscape.
At the heart of this residential experience are the Vitrocsa Sliding Windows, which wrap the main house in expansive glass walls that can disappear entirely. They allow the pavilions to open seamlessly to ocean breezes and panoramic views stretching across to Haleakalā volcano on the island of Maui. The precision of the Vitrocsa systems maximizes transparency while ensuring comfort and protection against environmental conditions.
Through this subtle balance between openness and shelter, Hale Lana House embodies the spirit of the “floating home,” where architecture blends effortlessly into the landscape.
