2012 Tucker Design Awards: Dynamic Dozen

Waipolu Gallery and Studio
Oahu, Hawaii

Click photo to enlargeDesigner: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Stone Installers: Johnston Construction Company Inc., Tacoma, Wash.; Pacific Aquatech, Kapolei, Hawaii
Stone Suppliers: Quarry SE, Seattle; Dansk S.r.l., Carrara, Italy

Rather than replicate the traditional Hawaiian character of the existing residence, the new building is a sculptural presence housing a modern art collection. Click photo to enlarge

A copper-clad structure encloses the primary gallery space; along the other edge of the steeply sloped site, a bar of concrete, glass and stainless steel defines the linear studio space. 

The building’s two elements are joined by a glass bridge that floats above a Ruoms limestone staircase linking all levels. The land’s natural terracing offers each level its own private entry sequence.

Following the topography, lightly honed chinese lava steps accommodates small gatherings and connects the new building to the existing house and garage.

Juror Comments:

• This is an elegant, charming and very proportioned use of stone. “Less is more” is the idea for this project. Truly unique.

• Stone is used as it should be as the source that unites building, landscape and space on this striking site overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Each of the stone elements is beautifully detailed, exceptionally crafted as a compliment to the transparency of the building connecting land to sea.

• A palette of stone surfaces, textures, and details is employed in articulate counterpoint to glass, wood and painted interior planes; the combination contrasts to the lushness and ruggedness of the waterfront site. The range of details was most impressive, each displaying a keen appreciation for scale, construction and phenomenal effect.

The 2012 Tucker Design Awards sponsors are:

Diamond: Texastone Quarries, Garden City, Texas

Platinum: Cold Spring Granite, Cold Spring, Minn.; Continental Cut Stone, Florence, Texas; Continental Quarries, Florence, Texas; Delaware Quarries, New Hope, Pa.; Northern Stone Supply, Oakley, Idaho; Earthworks Inc., Perryville, Mo.; Connecticut Stone Supplies Inc., Milford, Conn.

Silver: Bybee Stone Co., Ellettsville, Ind.; Sonny and Sons Stone Co., Downsville, N.Y.; U.S. Stone Industries, Prairie Village, Kan.

Bronze: Anderson Bros. & Johnson, Brownsville, Wis.; Rolling Rock Building Stone, Boyertown, Pa.; Gallegos Corporation, Vail, Colo.; Siloam Stone Inc., Canon City, Colo.; Kepco+, Salt Lake City; Eden Stone/Valders Stone and Marble Inc., Valders, Wis.

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