A long time family friend of multiple generations asked me to design a personal retreat where he could find time for reflection and personal growth. This away room would function both as a home office and space to read, write and reflect. This Kahala residence spanned two properties with the main house on the west side property and the master suite on the eastern property. While connected to the main house, this new retreat bridged the two properties and required a joint development agreement prior to constructing the improvements. Tucked away in the luscious landscape on the north side of the property, the retreat peeps out into a large expansive yard which ties all three structures together as one family commune.

The retreat itself has two very distinctive zones within this very simple square structure. One side of the retreat as a his and hers desk area with a very important and meaningful painting of Nepal separating the two desks. On the other side of the room, one steps up into the reading area. It is here with the dropped ceiling and two very comfortable Eames chairs that the Owner reads, writes and reflects. Although modest in size, the retreat is full of exquisite detailing, spatial interplay and a wonderful connections to the exterior. Late at night, his wife often finds him sound a sleep in the Eames chair with a book in his lap, dreaming of a world beyond.