CORAL HOUSE || Living the Aloha Life: An Inside Look at Sustainable Design in Maui
Welcome to paradise. Coral House in Maui is where luxury meets sustainability.
Imagine waking up every day in a vacation home nestled on the scenic southern shore of Maui, with views of the ocean, mountain landscapes, and nearby islands. Coral House is designed as a sanctuary for a multigenerational family where memories are created, experiences shared, and active lifestyles supported. This dream is brought to life in a stunning 6,000-square-foot contemporary abode designed by de Reus Architects and crafted with love by Philpotts Interiors.
The home opens to the beautiful surrounding landscape.
MINIMALIST AESTHETIC: LESS IS MORE
At first glance, the home appears to be an ode to the minimalist aesthetic. With an emphasis on a less-is-more approach, the home's architecture beautifully blends contemporary and casual, perfect for its coastal neighbourhood. Yet, at its core, the home is all about establishing a deep connection with nature and fostering a vibrant and comfortable living environment.
EXPERIENCING NATURE: BLURRING THE BOUNDARIES
Seamlessly merging interior and exterior spaces, large pocket doors open up the primary gathering areas, creating a fluid open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space. The covered lanai positioned between the pool and interior space makes the transition from inside to outside almost imperceptible, offering an intimate space to unwind and soak in Maui's breathtaking views.
The covered lanai between the pool and open kitchen, dining, and living area.
LOCALLY SOURCED DESIGN: HONOURING HAWAIIAN CULTURE
In keeping with the home’s commitment to locality, the interior design is a tribute to Hawaiian culture. Locally sourced Ohia wood dominates the entryway, great room, kitchen, dining area, bedrooms, and lanai, giving a nod to the land's rich resources. Custom-made pieces by Maui Custom Woodworks and the Janis et Cie grace the interiors, adding a layer of luxury to the already charming home.
Leis made from teak in the entry reference Hawaiian Kapa cloth wall covering and wood carvings.
Locally sourced Ohia wood is the main material used for the interiors.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING: ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS DESIGN
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this Maui home is its dedication to sustainability. The house incorporates various sustainable strategies, including large roof overhangs for shading, natural ventilation, metal-clad doors and windows, photovoltaic solar panels and battery storage, and high-performance glazing. The result? A well-insulated, energy-efficient home with LEED Silver certification that allows homeowners to enjoy nature while also respecting it.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Year-Round Home
Living in Maui year-round offers a unique opportunity to experience a lifestyle deeply connected with nature. Coral House is where the homeowners can relish the beauty of Maui while embracing a sustainable lifestyle. Whether it’s the locally sourced materials, the clever use of space, or the home’s sustainable practices, there’s something incredibly special about calling this place home.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Team
Architecture: de Reus Architects
Interior Designer: Philpotts Interiors
Landscape Architect: VITA Planning and Landscape Architecture
Builder: Colt Construction
Design Principal: Mark de Reus
Managing Principal: Dan Dzakowic
Project Managers: Eric Anderson, Almodina Lopez
Job Captain: Brandt Loo
Design Partner: Marion Philpotts Miller
Senior Designer: Anne Tanaka
Photography