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Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseIf you've ever wanted to stay in a work of art, now is your chance. The <a href="http://www.onionhousehawaii.com">Onion House</a> in Kona, Hawaii is a prime example of renowned architect Kendrick Kellogg's visionary style. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, Kellogg was one of the early innovators of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/organic-architecture/">organic architecture</a>, which can be seen throughout the vacation home's striking aesthetic. Although the home is clearly a work of artful design, Kellogg's original plans were so eccentric that local contractors refused to build it, forcing the architect to construct the "multi-layered" home himself using <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/locally-sourced-materials/">locally-sourced materials</a>.1
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe Onion House is a remote hill overlooking Kona's beautiful shoreline.2
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseKellogg built the home for the McCormick Spice Family in the early 1960s.3
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe hilly location was a practical step to keep the future structure safe from tsunamis and storms.4
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseKellogg's drawings for the home were so extraordinary that he had a hard time finding a contractor to build the complicated structure.5
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseInstead of adjusting his designs to meet the standards of the industry, a determined Kellogg moved his family to the site to build the structure himself.6
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseWorking with Frank Lloyd Wright's metal worker and glass artist James Hubbell, they began to build the structure with countless unique features.7
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseMany of the materials for the home, including Italian tile, plumbing fixtures, and sheets of colored glass, had to be specially ordered from the mainland and beyond, delaying the building process.8
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseSoon, the architect began to see the advantages of using local Koa wood and lava rock in the design, and incorporated the locally-sourced materials wherever he could. .9
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe home's interior is based on a range of design influences from the 1960s.10
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseHand built furniture was used throughout the home.11
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseStained glass windows let in optimal natural light.12
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseAlthough the outdoor space is spectacular, the interior is also very comfortable.13
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe translucent roof panels let in a diffused natural light.14
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe interior space is connected to the exterior thanks to many windows.15
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe home is set on a massive base of lava rock, which was carefully carved to create the large terrace overlooking the ocean.16
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseOutside, a covered outdoor walkway runs the length of the compound, connecting the separate master bedroom to the main structure.17
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe home is surrounded by tropical gardens.18
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseWalls of stained glass and the translucent roof panels also provide the interior with pleasantly diffused natural light.19
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe home has many entrances that lead to the outdoor patio.20
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe odd roof "tunnels" add a bit of whimsy to the design, and creatively defend against the harsh sunlight throughout the day.21
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThere are some private areas to the compound, such as a private walled meditation garden22
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseThe Onion House has a master bedroom and two smaller bedrooms, a bath, and the kitchen and dining space.23
Kendrick Kellogg Onion HouseA 70-foot pool is at the heart of the design.24
























