Waipolu Gallery and Studio by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects

Rather than replicate the traditional Hawaiian character of the main residence, the new spaces have a modern perspective, following the cues of the clients’ art collection while respecting the nature of the site. The primary gallery carefully frames views of Diamond Head and the ocean through its large apertures, while its orientation on the site and precisely positioned overhangs mitigate the tropical sun. Along the property’s edge of the steep site is the studio, with three levels that step down the slope. The land’s natural terracing offers each level its own private entry. Following the topography, articulated landscape connects the new structure to the existing house.

The Nature of People

The clients desired a gallery that would allow them to enjoy their extensive art collection; they also wished to provide their guests with private accommodations. A glass walkway provides a dramatic transition between the gallery and studio spaces; it protrudes into the gallery space itself to form a floating balcony overlooking the artwork below. On the studio side, the top two levels contain the guest quarters and a home office. The ground-floor level is devoted to an innovative system for art storage that uses pivoting walls for display and storage.

The Nature of Materials

The gallery is a distinctive copper-clad volume with a curving profile and articulated panels. It is contrasted with a linear studio space, defined by bars of concrete, glass and stainless steel. The two components are joined by a structural glass bridge, which floats over an outdoor limestone staircase linking all three levels. The studio’s internal circulation route is also transparent to the outside through its walls of channel glass. On the other side of the gallery, grass-and-lava steps transition between a rough stone retaining wall and a saw-cut lava wall. The ground-floor entrance to the gallery is through a pivoting teak door, which manifests as a sculptural installation.