One of San Francisco‘s leading contemporary architecture firms, Craig Steely Architects is best known for a unique brand of modernism that melds the precepts of historic mid-century masters with an intense focus on site-specific conditions. The practice, led by California- and Hawaii-based architect Craig Steely creates residential spaces that blur the boundaries between natural environments. Steely focuses on respect for the relationship between architecture and environment, revealing clearness of vision and sharp lines as opposed to infusing clarity with natural forces/elements & finds balance in retreat from nature but also connection. This method ensures homes that are not only visually beautiful but responsive to the environment. Among their favourite projects is a house called Musubi in Hawaii.
Client Vision
The Musubi House project began with a clear vision from its owners, Guy and Stacy Brand, who aimed to create a home that reflected the distinctiveness of Big Island living in Hawaii. They were motivated to seamlessly incorporate their natural surroundings from the Hamakua coast into the design, blending their lifestyle with the preservation of the environment. Guy Brand’s deep connection to the Big Island, having grown up there, and Stacy’s appreciation for Hawaii’s natural beauty and culture, guided their desire for a home that would embrace minimalism and sustainability. Their commitment to an off-grid lifestyle and innovative design is evident in the home’s conceptualization.
The collaboration with Craig Steely Architecture was pivotal in bringing the Brands’ vision to life. Steely’s expertise in creating architecture that responds to its environment perfectly aligns with the client’s goals. Guy Brand described the partnership as “kind of existential,” with discussions exploring deeper themes of space, feeling, and life. This creative synergy resulted in Musubi House, a residence that pays homage to the Brands’ ties to the land while embracing a minimalist lifestyle. The final design reflects their values and desire for a home that connects deeply with nature.
Design and Concept
Musubi House, designed by Craig Steely Architecture, is a striking example of modernist architecture adapted to its natural context. Located on the northeast slope of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, the house features a unique design characterized by nested triangles. The building’s layout comprises an outdoor triangle, an indoor triangle, and a diamond-shaped roof, with the sharpest end of the triangular structure designed to deflect the formidable trade winds that sweep across the site. This configuration not only pays homage to the Japanese rice snack, onigiri, but also addresses the environmental challenges presented by the windswept landscape. The architectural strategy creates a dynamic form that feels both rooted and fluid, allowing the house to visually float above the rolling grasslands like a ship in the ocean.
Inside, the house features a central atrium that acts as an outdoor room, bridging the three main zones: the bedroom and bathing area, the kitchen, and the work/living space. This design fosters a fluid transition between spaces while maintaining visual continuity with the surrounding landscape. The use of cast-in-place concrete for the interior walls complements the structure’s modernist aesthetic, and the curved walls delineate different functional areas within the house. By eliminating traditional doors and boundaries, the design embraces permeability, enhancing the connection between the interior and the natural environment outside.
Site and Construction
Musubi House’s construction faced significant challenges due to the site’s rugged topography and unpredictable weather patterns. Situated on a remote 100-acre property with valleys, seasonal creeks, and expansive fields of Wainaku grass, the site presented numerous logistical hurdles. The area’s exposure to high winds and horizontal rain complicated the building process, with severe weather causing frequent delays. Floods washed out bridges, and storms downed trees, making access to the site difficult. Project manager Scott Dale likened the construction experience to Werner Herzog’s film Fitzcarraldo, noting that completing the concrete work alone took two years, with conditions as daunting as dragging a boat over a mountain.
The construction team demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity to overcome these difficulties. Managing material deliveries and dealing with impassable roads due to rain were among the challenges faced. The remote location necessitated unconventional solutions and involved multiple teams. Despite these obstacles, the perseverance of the builders resulted in a structure that exemplifies both the land’s potential and the team’s dedication.
Sustainable Features and Living Experience
The Musubi House is an example of sustainable architecture and functions completely off the grid. A solar-tracking photovoltaic array produces more than enough electricity to satisfy daily energy demands and help power the grounds. The house also has a rainwater catchment system to capture water off the roof, which is filtered and stored in cisterns for irrigation. The method reflects the sustainability ambitions of projects such as Drummond St. passive house, which are focused on low environmental impact and illustrative self-sufficiency.
The living experience in Musubi House is intricately connected with its environment. The open-air atrium, with its floor made from cut Pahoehoe lava, provides a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to experience the island’s changing weather directly. The design prioritizes natural ventilation and cooling, with strategically placed rooms to optimize sunlight and cross-ventilation. The minimalist approach to privacy and the use of floor-to-ceiling glass walls enhance the sensation of living within the landscape, offering panoramic views and continuous interaction with the rolling grasslands. This integration of sustainability and environmental responsiveness creates a harmonious living environment that is both practical and immersive.
References:
- ArchDaily. (2023). Craig Steely Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/office/craig-steely-architecture.
- Leafbox (2024). Interview: Architect Craig Steely. [online] Leafbox. Available at: https://www.leafbox.com/interview-craig-steely/.
- ArchDaily. (2023). Musubi House / Craig Steely Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/978898/musubi-house-craig-steely-architecture.
- Metropolis. (2022). Craig Steely’s Musubi House is a Force of Nature – Metropolis. [online] Available at: https://metropolismag.com/projects/craig-steely-musabi-house/.
- Oh, J. (2023). Musubi House Is An Off-Grid Haven On Hawaii’s Big Island. [online] IMBOLDN. Available at: https://imboldn.com/musubi-house-is-an-off-grid-haven-on-hawaiis-big-island/.
