This beautiful tropical home designed by de Reus Architects is the epitome of indoor-outdoor living on the Island of Hawaii, Hawaii. Nestled alongside a lava flow dating from 1801 on the leeward coast of Hawaii, this 10,361-square-foot residence was designed as a modern interpretation of indigenous island architecture and a way to connect the occupants to nature, the region, and its culture.
Rather than orienting the house directly to the view, the home’s living spaces are set at an angle, resulting in glancing coastal views that reveal the visual drama of the natural setting. Continue below to see the rest of this spectacular dwelling…
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT de Reus Architects INTERIOR DESIGNER Philpotts Interiors LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT David Y. Tamura Associates, Inc. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Kahiau Design Group
The home is organized as a series of interlocking yet separate hale (pavilions), with the resulting spaces between the hale becoming as important to the experience as the hale themselves. This exploration of void or emptiness, which the Japanese call “Ma,” is meant to sharpen focus on the definition of meaning of space itself, our relationship to it, and what remains.
For this house, traditional design elements are tempered through a Japanese sense of restraint and interest in craftsmanship. The result is an aesthetic the architects describe as tropical minimalism.
Exterior materials were selected for their natural beauty, durability, and contribution to the minimalist aesthetic and quiet sense of restraint. Exterior finishes include zinc metal roof shingles, black anodized aluminum doors, and window frames, painted steel fascia and columns, stone terraces, walls and columns, and integral color cement plaster.
Meeting the spirit of the community design guidelines hipped roofs were used for the individual pavilions. Flat roofs, where solar panels are hidden from sight, were used on connecting roofs. Landscape plantings contribute to the exotic, yet ultra-simple aesthetic.
Reflecting pools work in and around the pavilions, further enhancing the Zen-like aesthetic and adding to the calming influence of living among water elements in this tropical Hawaii home.
The interior aesthetic is restrained. Finishes include stone and teak floors, grayish-stained white oak ceilings, cabinetry and millwork, granite counters, and veneer plaster walls. Sliding architectural wood screens throughout the house create privacy between spaces and establish an atmosphere of refinement and mystery.
Furnishings are minimal with a focus on signature pieces, including a contemporary free-form wood sculpture that was found in Bali, as well as the custom dining table and lychee wood coffee tables.
What We Love: This tropical home in Hawaii offers a wonderful atmosphere with indoor-outdoor living. Water features throughout this home give a zen-like feel that is very calming, perfect for an island retreat. We love all of the luxe details in this home, from the soaking tub in the bathroom to the outdoor shower. Overall, the project team has done a fabulous job of creating a home that caters to the owner’s extended family to enjoy the ultimate island getaway!
Tell Us: What details in the design of this Hawaiian home do you find most inspiring? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign by the architects of this project de Reus Architects: Tropical treehouse oasis overlooking the Mexican jungle andSustainable beach house is a sanctuary on Maui’s southern shore: Coral House.
Bedroom headboards were also sourced from Bali. Polynesian tapa patterns were carved into teak for many pieces of furniture.
Limestone walls behind the master bedroom headboard and on the back wall of the kitchen were inspired by a graphic kimono pattern. The guest hale features a wall of surfboards by Firewire/Sig Zane Design, a custom albizia and koa long board by Gary Young, and a rare “ulu” wood surfboard handcrafted by Tom Pohaku which was wave-ridden before it was hung.
The primary bathroom features dynamic architectural elements such as carved walls of Calacatta marble including a stone shower wall. The cool marble is contrasted with a teak vanity.
Above: The landscape architect did very little planting other than the seashore paspalum (grass), just native stuff that would normally grow along the lava-clad coast and some plumeria and fruit trees.
PHOTOGRAPHER Matthew Millman
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