Many people were horrified by the destruction of the wildfires that burned most of Lahaina in 2023. We were approached by homeowners to help them re-build their burned out properties. One of those properties is on the edge of town, on a small street of other singe family homes needed to be rebuilt. With rule changes to the zoning code in Lahaina, we can now offer more ADUs and other smaller dwelling options than before. The design of the new residence at Kaeo Place offers a larger single family residence at the front, and a smaller double ADU unit in the rear. The danger of the amount of new built square footage was that the home would read as overbearing and commercial.

To help offset that concern, the front entry is differentiated with cladded sustainable wood from the islands. This leads up to a lanai on the roof, which will allow for spectacular views of both the ocean and the mountain. Recessed lanais are sprinkled throughout the building mass. This breaks down the mass, allows for natural cross ventilation, and private outdoor space more most of the residents. The front lawn will have a precision of raised planter beds made out of local lava stone, with local flowers accentuating the landscape. The home will use photovoltaic panels on the roof for electrical power, and a solar hot water system will allow the vast majority of energy needs to be satisfied before needing power from the local utility.