D Fin House

D Fin House is a pole-supported residence designed by Craig Steely Architecture above Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii’s Big Island. The brief called for a distinct response to a site overlooking the Kona coastline, resulting in a circular plan elevated above the slope by eight structural columns. The design investigates the relationship between geometric form and the surrounding landscape, diverging from conventional approaches to ocean views by adopting a round footprint rather than a rectilinear one. The primary structure comprises a visibly expressed curved glue-laminated wood beam, forming a 56-foot diameter enclosure clad in steel, wood, and glass. This composition creates a barrel-like volume with extensive glazing, intensifying engagement with the coastal panorama. At the rear of the circular volume, a steeply pitched loft references the outline of a classic 1960s D fin surfboard, mirroring both the house's name and its structural intent. The project reflects a contemporary and modern approach to site and form, utilizing pure geometry to frame and interact with the natural setting.

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