Pendulum Magazine

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HALE NUKUMOI || An Idyllic Retreat in Kauai, Hawaii

Hale Nukumoi is nestled amongst the serene and tranquil setting of Kauai, Hawaii.

It the quintessential Hawaiian beach house: open, casual, and unfussy. Although it is located just moments from a popular beach nearby, it offers a private oasis, undisturbed by the sounds of the city or the busy energy of tourists.

The property is comprised of a guest house and the main house, both of which make use of oversized sliding doors. The sliding doors open up the living area to the breathtaking views of lush greenery and blue skies.

Who wouldn’t want to spend the day swinging peacefully in a hammock?

The home’s material palette seems to spring from the land itself: coral-colored concrete, peeled ohia logs, and dark tile that recalls nearby lava flows.

Inside, the home's modest but thoughtful footprint provides ship-like efficiency with numbered bunks, hooks, and storage baskets to help younger guests organize their belongings. Paired with an adjacent guest house, the complex is ready-made for easy vacationing with extended family and friends.

The social area of the house is roomy with plenty of seating for all to gather during the day while enjoying breakfast together or at night when sipping on refreshing drinks before turning in for the evening. With the sliding doors pushed back, the warm island breeze blows gently throughout the home, creating a setting for the perfect getaway.

The home enjoys stunning views of the beach

Modern and crisp interior details

Between the guest house and main house meandering pathways canopied by lush soaring greenery invites guests and residents to relax. Thriving plants along the walking paths hug the exterior of the houses to provide additional privacy.

The use of walkway screens along connecting paths between the houses creates playful and beautiful shadows throughout the day. The combination of tall trees and walkway screens also help to shield residents from the high temperatures and scorching sun during the summer months.

Layered plantings provide privacy for the residents

Outdoor screen for a walkway creates beautiful daytime shadows

The interiors feature rich wooden details throughout, with the flooring, ceiling, and key furnishings all incorporating wooden finishes for a consistent ‘island’ vibe. Large-format windows invite natural sunlight into the interiors, creating sun-drenched nooks throughout the home for one to curl up in with a good book.

Oversized windows let in a gentle breeze as you read by the window

Oversized sliding doors promote indoor outdoor living

Sunny balconies, harmonious flowing interiors, and flourishing plants are all ingredients to a calm and rejuvenating environment. Walker Warner Architects have designed the perfect vacation home encompassing the laid back vibe of the island, an idyllic retreat to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

PROJECT DETAILS

Walker Warner Architects design team

Principal: Greg Warner

Senior Project Manager: Thomas Clapper

Architectural Staff: Aaron Zube, Rob Campodonico, Philip Viana

Project team

Walker Warner Architects (architecture)

Stone Interiors (interior design)

Lutsko Associates (landscape architecture)

R.S. Weir General Contracting (builder)

Photography by Matthew Millman