Mauka To Makai Case Study

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The objective of the Mauka To Makai project was to create a simple yet elegant plantation style home with remarkable green efficiencies that also met a strict budget. With strategic planning and thoughtful design, the result is a luxurious custom home by Archipelago Hawaii and Mokulua High Performance Builder that received LEED Platinum level certification while taking advantage of breathtaking island views and meeting all of the homeowners’ wants and needs.

Among the homeowners’ requests were an expansive great room, three bedrooms with one bedroom also functioning as a dual office and sewing room, two and a half baths, laundry room, outdoor pool and ample space to accommodate their two dogs.

To meet these needs while adhering to a fixed budget, the existing retaining wall was employed as much as possible throughout the project.

Mauka to Makai bedroom
One of the greatest challenges faced was the sloped property, which created a problem from a cost-perspective.

Other aspects taken into consideration were the building envelope and additional height restrictions.

Mauka to Makai home sits on a sloped property
In order to take advantage of the stunning views of Oahu, the main living area was elevated to create a tri-level home design, allowing for the best views from the great room and master suite.

Note the two staircases located off the kitchen in the photo to the right.

Staircases near kitchen lead to upper and low split levels
The third bedroom was transformed into a multi-purpose space by the addition of a Murphy bed and a drop leaf table.

Click through the slideshow to the right to see the Murphy Bed’s transformation!

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The kitchen was configured to house a freestanding dining table (pictured bottom left). This piece could be adjoined to the matching exterior dining table (pictured bottom right) to entertain friends and family.

Interior half of dining table pair
Exterior half of dining table pair

The sustainable features of Mauka to Makai include ThermaWrap™ house wrap; Low-E windows and exterior door glazing; solar hot water; Energy Star appliances; Low-Flow plumbing fixtures; Energy Star certified roof; native and regionally appropriate restored landscaping; Knauf Eco-Batt insulation; Sherwin Williams Pro-Mar NO-VOC paints and adhesives; composite vinyl flooring that meets standards for FloorScore and recycled content; and FSC certified wood sheathing.

As a LEED Platinum level home, Mauka To Makai is an island haven that perfectly blends luxury style with eco-friendly design.