Project Data:

Completion Date:     9/1/2025

Square Footage:      5760

Building Use:           Single Family Residence

Project Description:

Situated along Kauai's verdant coastline, this single-story residence draws inspiration from the Pacific Tropical aesthetic to shape its layout and exterior design. The floorplan is thoughtfully organized as a collection of distinct pavilions encircling a central courtyard. This outdoor haven not only offers protection from the island's brisk trade winds but also evolves into a central hub for gatherings within the dwelling.

The entrance pavilion pays homage to traditional architectural forms and materials, featuring lava stone columns, steeper roof angles, and thatch roofing material. The remainder of the dwelling adopts a more modern interpretation, incorporating elements such as gently sloping roofs, expansive eaves that provide sheltered lanais, understated roof lines, and clerestory windows that imbue the illusion of roofs delicately hovering above the lower walls.

Positioned slightly askew from the rest of the house, the Great Room pavilion strategically aligns to grant an unobstructed view of the ocean, framed by a foreground of a lush golf course. The native, vibrant landscaping seamlessly bridges the gap between the indoor and outdoor realms. Central to the design concept is the covered outdoor circulation, reinforcing the concept that this abode is an amalgamation of distinct pavilions consistently engaged with the natural world outdoors.

Framework for Design Excellence

Design for Integration – As you approach the home set harmoniously into the lush landscape of Kaua’i, your senses are awakened as you peer through the wood shutter slates catching a glimpse of the interior courtyard. The indigenous lava stone walls provide a feeling of lasting presence to the residence, while the incorporated shutter clerestory creates the impression of the roof gracefully suspended above. The traditional thatch roof entry pavilion beckons you through the shuttered entry door where the architectural lines of the home seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces. Sheltered within the interior courtyard, the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean invigorate the senses through glimpses between the individual pavilion structures and the floor-to-ceiling glass doors. This serene retreat envelops its occupants through a sensory experience within the natural surroundings, offering a tranquil sanctuary where the gentle murmur of water features, the whispering of palm leave, and the invigorating embrace of open-air showers create an immersive experience.

Design for Ecosystems – The project intricately weaves the users with the local ecosystem by means of its thoughtful design elements and deliberate positioning within the landscape. The strategic integration of outdoors spaces, lush vegetation and traditional materials creates a harmonious relationship between the dwelling and its surroundings. The native landscaping blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces while encouraging the local ecosystem on and around the site. The locally sourced materials and design elements inherently implement resilience into the design while promoting local craftsmen and tradesmen through the construction process. The holistic approach of the design integrates the natural landscape, indigenous materials, and intentional design choices to create a living space that resonates with the essence of Kaua’i and invites residents to form a profound bond with the island ecology and culture.

Firm Name:              Brandon Architects

Completion Date:     9/1/2025

Square Footage:      5760

Building Use:           Single Family Residence

Location:                 Koloa, Kaua'i

Design Architect:
Brandon Architects

Associate Architect or Firm:
Brandon Architects

Landscape Architect:
D.Bates Studio Inc.

Owner / Developer:
Genova Construction & Development

Engineer:
Kurt Fischer

General Contractor:
Genova Construction & Development

Consultant:

Photographer: