D Fin House by Craig Steely Architecture

ByJon Dykstra Houses

The D fin is a classic pole house located on the slopes above Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.

🔥 Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Architect: Craig Steely Architecture
Location: Captain Cook, Big Island, Hawaii
Photography: Darren Bradley

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.

The D fin is a classic pole house located on the slopes above Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Eight columns support a curved and exposed glue-laminated wood beam structure creating a 56 ft. diameter steel clad wood and glass barrel.

Rather than just framing the view, the round shape seemingly bends perspective and puts the occupant into the expansive view of the Kona coastline.

A steep roofed loft sits symmetrically at the back of the circle, like a classic 60’s D fin surfboard. D fin continues our exploration of how pure geometric shapes relate to nature and view.

The courtyard in the heart of the house, with access to the various areas of the house through the glass doors.
The courtyard in the heart of the house, with access to the various areas of the house through the glass doors.
The terrace sitting area with a breathtaking view of the Kona coastline.
The terrace sitting area with a breathtaking view of the Kona coastline.
A home office on the fin structure as an extension above the round shape house with a panoramic view of nature.
A home office on the fin structure as an extension above the round shape house with a panoramic view of nature.
The bedroom, which has a floating bed with a stunning view of the surrounding nature.
The bedroom, which has a floating bed with a stunning view of the surrounding nature.
A steep roofed loft sits symmetrically at the back of the circle, like a classic 60’s D fin surfboard.
A steep roofed loft sits symmetrically at the back of the circle, like a classic 60’s D fin surfboard.
The D fin is a classic pole house located on the slopes above Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The D fin is a classic pole house located on the slopes above Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Eight columns support a curved and exposed glue-laminated wood beam structure creating a 56 ft. diameter steel clad wood and glass barrel.
Eight columns support a curved and exposed glue-laminated wood beam structure creating a 56 ft. diameter steel clad wood and glass barrel.

🔥 Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

Read More