MALAMA LEARNING VILLAGE

MALAMA LEARNING VILLAGE

Kuth Ranieri Architects in collaboration with Rodolphe el-Khoury (ReK Productions)

Kapolei, HI

KUTH/RANIERI ARCHITECTS in collaboration with Rodolphe el-Khoury (ReK Productions)

Malama Learning Village is a building as much as a strategy and a process for flexible and sustainable occupation of the site.  A prefabricated structural steel frame (inherently both recycled and recyclable) sits lightly on the landscape, providing support for a canopy of simple, repetitive, metal roofing panels.  These panels regulate the internal environment of the building in response to the conditions of the site.  Selective deformations (perforating, painting, tilting, folding, bending) allow the single gesture of the canopy to optimize and encourage natural lighting and ventilation, provide varying acoustical conditions and both protect from and collect rainwater for greywater reuse.  This design connects to the project site by opening up to views of the dramatic mountains and northern sky beyond.