HOME OF SHELLS
(ISLAND OF HAWAII)

On the west side of the Island of Hawaii, one mile uphill from the Kona Coast, are three clusters of shells, tow of which rest on a large platform of lava rock surrounded by crystalline pools with views of the ocean. Architect-designed-built in 1963 by Kendrick-Bangs: Kellogg, it has been recently renovated to the original. Because Kona is the most moderate climate in the world, this home was designed with only screen for windows and translucent plastic shells of light form all the roofs. The stained glass work was performed by Jim Hubbell. Kellogg designed the home to take advantage of the natural breezes that come from the ocean in the day and from the lava laden mountains at night. The tall tropical plants and palms around the home make it extremely private in contrast to the inappropriately designed houses that surround it. Outside is inside, it is truly a home that breaths in the scent of the tropical plant plumaria. This home was built for the joy of living in the tropics. Those homes around it, by their misplacement, seem to destroy the nature they came to enjoy.