Hawaii Residence Office Hut | Olson Kundig

Independent from the main house, this freestanding office hut provides dedicated workspace for the client, drawing on its inspirational surroundings to foster creative problem solving and business innovation. Perched on a rocky trail, the wood and steel hut bridges a landscaped hillside and small pond below, creating a garden refuge within this micro-landscape. A large kinetic screen, operated by an internal hand-cranked wheel, allows the pond-facing elevation to open completely to the landscape or close against harsh weather or when not in use. The “buddha rock,” a unique formation across the pond, forms a subtle axis with the office, providing a contemplative focal point. A portion of the hut’s floor is made of glass, cantilevering over the water and providing a unique view of koi fish swimming below. On the opposite side of the hut, a large window faces the garden and main house beyond, filling the interior with natural light and allowing for views into and through the structure.

Credits

Architecture Firm
Olson Kundig

Lead Architects
Tom Kundig FAIA, RIBA, Design Principal;
Chris Gerrick, Principal;
Elisa Renouard, Project Manager / Project Architect

Photography
Aaron Leitz - https://aaronleitz.com

Collaborators
Dowbuilt, General Contractor; MCE Structural Consultants, Structural Engineer; KB Architectural Services, Kinetic Design and Engineering; Argent, Kinetics Fabrication; Spearhead, Timber and Steel Specialist; Green Facades, Glazing; David Taruma, Landscape Design