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Rather than
the lush green tropic one usually associates with Hawaii, the site
of the Russell Residence is a dry, barren, almost desert-like landscape
with fountain grasses and low shrubs carpeted over ancient lava flows.
Perched on the edge of a stream and seasonal waterfall, the 5-acre
site overlooks miles of natural terrain with a distant backdrop of
majestic volcanoes sloping down to the blue Pacific.
The house is designed to have a strong connection to the land so as
not to interrupt the tranquility and vastness of its surroundings.
A large earth berm was built to deflect the powerful winds that blow
unrestricted across the Pacific only to be funneled between two large
volcanoes and aimed directly across the site. The berm also serves
to conceal the house and blend it into the natural landscape. The
exterior is painted a dark cocoa color reminiscent of the predominant
lava rock so that the house recedes into the landscape, appearing
as a shadow. David Tamura, a Hawaiian Landscape Architect whose concepts
and enthusiasm about the site were similar to ours was involved on
this project from its initial stages. He was careful to retain the
natural feeling of the site by using indigenous plantings. Although
the house does not copy a Hawaiian style, it definitely feels like
it belongs. The sense of openness, the louvered vents, the strong
indoor-outdoor relationship somehow add up to a Hawaiian flavor. The
design consciously avoided trying to look like any particular style
and evolved naturally in response to the site conditions.
The plan of the three-bedroom house is spread out along the stream
and steps back so that most rooms have views of the waterfall as well
as the volcanoes and the ocean. The house turns its back to the wind
and opens up to the view and the sun. On the leeward side, the trellised
outside deck is a calm, protected space on even the windiest days.
A flat roofed portico supported by 14-inch diameter pine poles links
the garage to the entry. Once inside, the poles continue to march
down four one-foot level changes into the living room and to the ultimate
surprise – 8’ x 10’ picture windows that are canted
out over the waterfall and lava pond.
Since the roof is not seen from anywhere, an inexpensive tan mineral
cap was used and is the same color as the surrounding indigenous fountain
grass. The floors are colored, sealed and waxed exposed concrete slab,
reminiscent of the lava rock found on the site. This combined with
being dug into the earth berm adds to the sense of shelter and feeling
grounded. Natural slate countertops, fireplace and showers further
link the house to the site by picking up the colors of the rocky steam
below. Mostly rough, natural textures are used inside and out. Beams,
slate, and even foundation textures like concrete and metal brackets
are imperfectly unfinished and create a sense of strength and character.
The straightforward, rugged materials and the relaxed unpretentious
design work perfectly as a comfortable vacation home. Bright, earthy
colors throughout add a sense of excitement and joy. The wonderful
spirit of the house is a direct result of the Russell’s encouragement
and desire to be adventurous and come up with a unique solution. |
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