Transforming Historic Pearl Harbor Hangars into a Modern Marine Research Facility

This project is renovating and adapting two World War II-era airplane hangars and constructing a new building between them on a national historic landmark site on Oahu’s Ford Island.

The site is a federally owned property within the Pearl Harbor Naval Complex, which is recognized as one of the country’s most sacred historic sites.

The design links the two hangars to provide space for a range of NOAA research and office functions. The team worked closely with local preservationists to keep the hangars close to their original condition.

A long, open atrium houses public function spaces such as the library, dining and fitness areas, and an auditorium. In each of the hangar structures, courtyards open up from the roof all the way down to the ground level. These areas serve as gathering spaces and draw in natural light.

The high-performance, sustainable design is rooted in the mission of NOAA and the cultural traditions of the Pacific region. A number of sustainable features – such as a daylighting system that virtually eliminates the need for artificial light during the day, passive natural ventilation, seawater air conditioning system and open roofs – contribute to an expected LEED Gold certification.

HOK is working with Hawaii-based architect Ferraro Choi.