Kuliouou Residence, Honolulu HI

A new residence replaced a 1950s suburban house. The project combines a parents’ wing on the lower floor, and an autonomous guest apartment on the upper floor. It is located in an elongated valley with a mountain view to the north and an ocean view to the south; a strong trade wind blows down the valley.

The narrow, linear lower floor preserves as much open space on the site as possible. Spatially, both wings reinforce the valley context by having solid sides. Windows at the front and rear facilitate cross ventilation, and address different views. The lower wing is relatively closed toward the street for privacy, and opens toward the backyard garden. The upper wing addresses distant views of the valley to the north, and the ocean horizon to the south. For privacy, the guest apartment has its own separate access.

The post and beam structure allows large openings and cantilevers, and the use of steel framing eliminates termite damage.