This residence was inspired by the need to exhibit exceptional art, coupled with the Owner’s desire to remain a very quiet part of this foothill community in the Wai-Kahala area. The house is nestled between a community park on the lower side and a sleepy county road on the uphill side. This very steep downhill lot presented a myriad of design and construction challenges. A downhill procession through a house can often be a less than an inspiring experience but we saw this as an opportunity. Prior to entering the dwelling, the visitor proceeds down to the front door on the exterior, experiencing a wonderful procession through a garden walk and into an exterior courtyard. A water feature in the courtyard provides the acoustics of tranquility while minimizing the noises from the outside world.

When entering the home, the surprise of a two story space provides the unexpected visual expanse that is typically void on a downhill lot. Two very large existing Mango trees provide an amazing privacy from the park below and give the sense of living in the trees. The great room concept allows a modest size home to feel larger than life and encourages family living. Looking back Mauka once in the living room, the master suite loft above adds a new excitement to the experience. This vertical relationship provides a visually and experiential dynamic to the home. Natural light control was a critical component for the Owner; desiring a soft, non-glaring light that provides for peaceful living. GLAI implemented a series of tools to achieve these light qualities such as the orientation, house placement related to the existing mango trees, shading & screening devices and glass block panels. The house truly has a tranquil quality of light and allows the art to speak!