Two Fresh Takes on Modern Architecture in Kona

If you are a fan of contemporary architecture and are looking for a tropical home close to the beach, Kona has two great choices within just a few blocks of each other. Both use a combination of wood, cement, and steel, and feature walls that open up to let the outside in, yet they couldn’t be more different.

76-6276 Kupuna Street (MLS# 244169), priced at $648K, is an elegant example of the minimal ‘house as machine’ aesthetic. Designed for tropical living with an open floor plan that features simple lines, great material choices, and windows everywhere framing views while sliding walls open to allow the garden in, this is a striking home in its simplicity and thoughtfulness.

Details always matter and this home gets it right. In keeping with the theme of “house as machine,” there are exterior sunshades that add design interest in addition to automatically shading the home from the sun. Touches such as the resort-style outdoor shower make this home a pleasure to live in.

The location is great as well, just down the road to Ali’i Drive and the beaches of Kona. Shopping and restaurants are all close by. The subdivision was established in the 1980s, so the landscaping in the surrounding neighborhood is lush and mature which adds to the tropical ambiance.

I only hope this home inspires others to build or remodel in such an artful way. This neighborhood’s up close ocean views and convenient in-town location deserves smart and stylish homes such as this one.

76-6355 Kaheiau Street (MLS# 240751), priced at $698K, is just a few blocks away, in the same neighborhood, and is also smart and stylish. Caveat Emptor: This is a home you will love or hate. In contrast to the previous home, this home takes more risks and is one-of-a-kind. Of the two, its view is superior, unobstructed ocean and coastline views from the great room and master suites.

Like the other home, this one features a mix of the same materials: wood, cement, and metal. What’s intriguing is the unusual and artful way the wood has been treated. It has been burned and then sealed to create a very intense look. The styling of the house is definitely modern with an open plan, yet it has touches of a Japanese farmhouse aesthetic as well. Very hard to explain which is part of what makes this home so exciting.

The seller, a local restaurateur, designed the home to entertain with a spectacular kitchen and lots of separation of space for extended family and guests. With 4,188 interior square feet, there is a lot of room, including one of the largest and nicest home offices I’ve seen. You get a lot for your money here.

Lucky for Kona to have two great choices in contemporary architecture at such great prices. You just have to decide—straightforward and elegant, or striking and monumental.

Click here for a gallery of architecturally distinctive homes here in Kona.