Front street

Perched on the Shore

Lost to the August 8th, 2023 Lahaina Fires We focused on building back a structure that adheres to FEMA guidelines and Hawaii’s coastal management plan. The original 1930’s home was situated on piers and later backfilled with a seawall defining a yard space. The new placement of the home follows Maui’s dynamic ocean setback, situated closer to Front Street to better maintain coastal protection.

Taking in dramatic views while adhering to updated coastal building practices.

Coined the Happiness House, this residence ties a family to each other and their community. A space to offer retreat from busy schedules and active outdoor lifestyles. Mauka side provides quite glimpses of the mountains, while the makai side opens up taking in the expansive ocean view. 

The design utilizes FEMA guidelines for the flood plain to inform the program. Mandated to raise the habitable space 8’-0” above grade the covered parking, storage, and an outdoor living space that spills out to the rear yard make up the program of the ground level. The stricter setbacks enforced did not allow for the three bedrooms to be rebuilt on a single level. To maintain a lower profile the third bedroom pops up as a loft, offering a dreamy space to take in the ocean with the horizon line. 

* Note: Exterior Renderings are generative studies preformed with Sketch Diffusion’s AI based on narratives and models built by Inhabit Designs.