in hawaii, studio gang draws up plans for a tower shaped like a sugar cane plant

studio gang has developed plans for ‘kō’ula’, a 41-story tower to be built on the hawaii island of oahu. the building presents a fluid, waving façade, which has been designed to reference the red sugar cane plant that once grew in the area. twisting as it rises, the tower undulates, creating a succession of different floor plans. meanwhile, the project’s interiors have been designed by new york- and toronto-based firm yabu pushelberg.

all images courtesy of the howard hughes corporation

comprising approximately 565 residences, kō’ula will offer a range of living spaces — from studios to three-bedroom units. each home will feature a private lānai, a veranda that provides shade while allowing occupants to spend as much time as possible outdoors. studio gang has manipulated the shape of the building so that the living spaces have ocean views, natural light, and cooling winds.

the 41-story tower will be built on the hawaii island of honolulu

internally, yabu pushelberg has selected a range of natural materials, colors and textures intended to create a ‘sophisticated yet understated elegance’. the tower features over one acre of amenities including: a lap pool, spa, poolside cabanas, fitness center with locker room, steam and sauna, outdoor dining pavilions, event space, sunset bar, play area, and dog park.

the façade has been designed to reference the red sugar cane plant

kō’ula forms part of ward village, a 60-acre, master-planned community being developed by the howard hughes corporation. the tower connects to a public porte cochère that opens onto an expansive courtyard that forms an entry point to the development’s central plaza. a collection of new dining and retail outlets will occupy the base of the tower, activating the plaza as well as the site in general. kō’ula is set to launch sales in late 2018.

the building presents fluid, waving forms

a lap pool with cabanas form part of the building’s amenities

the tower connects to a public porte cochère

the project’s interiors have been designed by yabu pushelberg

natural materials have been used throughout

the bar at one of the tower’s lower levels

residences offer sweeping ocean views

floor-to-ceiling windows fill the rooms with natural light

1/4