Architecture, Residential Design, Interior DesignFlorence LAugust 28, 2022Architecture, Interior Design, Maui

MAUI RETREAT || A Residence Set Against Stunning Views of the Ocean and Haleakalã Volcano

Architecture, Residential Design, Interior DesignFlorence LAugust 28, 2022Architecture, Interior Design, Maui

What are the first words that come to mind when you think of Maui? Sunshine, tranquillity and harmony are a few we would use to describe this magical place.

The Maui Retreat located in Haiku, Maui by San Francisco-based design studio See Arch was designed for retirement. The understated architecture serves as a backdrop for the client's art collection as well as world-class Haleakalā Volcano and ocean views to the North and South. Two garden courtyards connect interior spaces to lush Maui greenery, encouraging slowness and relaxation throughout.

Endowed with views to the north and south, it may seem as if the site would be the ideal backdrop for the client’s art collection, but the curation of the client’s artwork alongside the ocean views presented a challenge for the team. Sarah Ebner, Architect of See Arch shares how the team “embraced the need to look both inward and outward throughout the site, and encouraged it with strategic window locations and sizes as well as visual interconnectivity between spaces within the home.”

*Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the lush greenery views.*

“The vision for the project was to create a sophisticated yet calming retreat for the occupants to retire within. The built spaces were to designed to emphasize the world-class views and Maui landscape.”

— Sarah Ebner, Architect, See Arch

*Architectural lighting fixtures anchor the dining area.*

A large pivot entry door obscures the dramatic ocean views, creating a powerful moment of discovery when guests step inside and are greeted with breathtaking panoramic ocean views. The design focus is to let people experience the site and its views, which is why large expanses of glass frame the picturesque scenery just beyond the windows.

The entry divides the home into two distinct wings, one for private use and the other for entertaining. This layout allows retains privacy and tranquillity in the home even if friends visit. Every space in the home encourages reflection and relaxation, and it would be hard not to relax in a space like this, where you are treated to serene views of landscaped courtyard gardens and nature scenes straight out of a travel book at every turn. Whether it’s wandering through the corridors or preparing a meal in the kitchen, every scene is a reminder of nature’s beauty, where the gentle island breeze sweeps through the towering trees and the shadow falls just so across the floor.

*Long corridors with floor-to-ceiling windows create an interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.*

Cedar plank ceilings offer warmth and texture while avoiding darkening or busying the spaces as wood ceilings often do. Paired with other wood elements throughout the home including wood slats lining the corridors and framing the stairway, millwork and engineered flooring, it brings a nature element into the home and connects with the gardens and greenery outside.

*Bedroom design is kept simple to encourage relaxation.*

Where the entertaining wing and the connecting walkways are bathed in sunlight and delicate, light natural tones and textures, Heath Tile in the interior bathrooms and kitchen left the private spaces textured, tactile, colourful and intimate which was intended to complement the minimal palette of the main spaces of the home.

*Gold accents and honeycomb tiles add character to the bathroom.*

*A contrasting tile wall in the bathroom.*

We can see why the Maui Retreat would be the ideal retirement home set against dramatic volcanic mountains and calming ocean views. Would you retire to Maui?