The newly renovated Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island’s tiki-themed institution is an example of controlled design expertise. The subtly handled remake of the iconic building that has resonated with generations for decades was mastermind by Graham Downes Architecture. "The community has great affection for this harbor landmark," says Downes. "The Bali Hai is like a house you’ve lived in your whole life. Patrons want that homeliness and comfortable familiarity. We strived to maintain that pride and history while contemporizing and freshening the environment and improving the functionality." For the circular, two-story structure, Downes' goal was to make Bali Hai's signature building feel sleek with modern lines and a consistent use of materials and finishes, such as integral-color cement fiber board siding and a new standing-seam green metal roof to match the Hawaiian Village outdoor pavilion that Downes completed last year. The architect and his team also restored two famous original tikis: the "Goof on the Roof" with its vibrant King Kamehameha colors, and "Mr. Bali Hai," welcoming guests at the front entrance. Out front, Downes created a dramatic "arrival experience," heralded by a redwood art screen façade by artist Miki Iwasaki, inspired by ancient stick charts of the Pacific Islands and tidal movements. The piece displays 85 synchronized white LED lights, preprogrammed to create a series of patterns such as night stars and ripples across the surface of the water. New signage, cantilevered wood-louver awnings, and decorative tiki torches define the entry. Other exterior elements include a ground floor patio shaded by a pergola structure and an outdoor redwood deck just off the upper dining room. Project team included Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing engineers KHL, Food Service Consultants Orness Design Group, Landscape Architects Garbini & Garbini and General Contractors Hawkins Construction Inc.

Project Information

Project Address: 

2230 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego

Project Owner/ Developer: 

Susie and Larry Baumann

Owner Contact Name/ Email: 

Susie Baumann sbbalihai@aol.com

Project Architect/ Designer: 

Graham Downes Architecture / Graham Downes

Image