The Kuono tiny house stands in a forest of Ohia trees in Volcano, Hawaii, about five minutes from the nearby national park. It is a small modern cabin that guests can rent through Airbnb.
Tall windows and wood cladding
The most visible feature is a set of floor-to-ceiling windows, 14 feet tall, that open the interior to the trees outside. The exterior is clad in warm-toned wood, and the overall form follows a modern design approach.
A bright orange front door marks the entrance and stands out against the timber.
A compact plan
Inside the door is a small kitchenette with the basics. The bathroom faces it, with a wood vanity, a curved mirror and a shower behind glass.
The rest of the house is one open room filled with daylight. The living area has a sofa that also works as a second bed, plus a small table and two chairs. The bedroom sits opposite, with a wood-framed bed and matching side tables.
Outdoor living
A large sliding glass door leads to a private lanai with a hot tub and lounge chairs. Both look towards a fire pit ringed with wooden stools.
Making a small house feel larger
As a general point, tall glazing and a single open room help a very small home borrow space from its surroundings, while a deck or terrace adds a second living area outdoors.
Project credits
- Project: Kuono tiny house, Volcano, Hawaii
- Website: staykuono.com
- Source: Contemporist