Haiku House: See Arch’s Panoramic Retirement Retreat in Maui
Nestled amidst the verdant greenery of Maui County, Hawaii, the Haiku House exemplifies the artistry of See Arch and an intricate appreciation for the Hawaiian landscape.
Designed in 2022, this two-story house serves as an idyllic retirement haven for a San Francisco couple, boasting a harmonious blend of contemporary design and island aesthetics. Nestled atop a hill, the house ingeniously interacts with its terrain, offering captivating vistas of pastoral fields, the shimmering ocean, and the majestic Haleakalā Volcano. Tranquility resonates within the living spaces, further accentuated by a curated collection of unique artworks. The interplay of locally-sourced materials, from book-matched travertine wall tiles and exposed concrete walls to cedar plank ceilings, lends a warm, organic feel, harmoniously uniting the indoors with the lush Hawaiian outdoors.
About Haiku House
The Genesis of the Haiku House: A San Francisco Couple’s Retirement Dream
Nestled in the tranquil island paradise of Maui, Hawaii, the architectural marvel known as the Haiku House came into existence with a San Francisco couple’s vision of their retirement haven. The couple, having owned this idyllic plot of land for many years, cherished their vacations in the property’s cozy Ohana. As they neared retirement, they collaborated with Sarah Ebner of See Arch and Bone Structure—a renowned steel building system—to craft their dream abode. The goal? To create a sanctuary radiating tranquility and harmony, one that also established an intimate connection with the land.
Design Philosophy: Balancing Monumentality with Minimalism
The Haiku House was envisaged as a majestic structure, yet one that didn’t overpower its serene surroundings. Respecting the locale’s inherent character and the couple’s vision of a structure nestled atop the hill was the cornerstone of the design team’s strategy. Despite its prominence, the house was meticulously terraced into the hill to align with the natural topography, thus minimizing its environmental footprint.
Architectural Aesthetics: Celebrating the Site’s Natural Beauty
The house’s subdued architectural style frames the breathtaking pastoral and ocean vistas to the North and the imposing Haleakalā Volcano to the South. Although such grandiose views are an undeniable boon, the challenge lay in juxtaposing the couple’s extensive art collection against this stunning backdrop. The design team’s ingenious solution? Cultivating a balance between looking inward—at the art—and outward—at the natural beauty. Strategic positioning and sizing of windows, as well as visual links between spaces, enhanced the views through the home while creating focal points for the art.
Interior Layout: A Harmonious Blend of Privacy and Entertainment
Upon entering the Haiku House, a sizeable pivot entry door veils the spectacular ocean view that lies ahead. This strategic entryway effectively bifurcates the house into two distinct sections—a private wing and an entertainment area. Whenever these two wings intersect, lush courtyard gardens dotted with native Maui greenery frame views between interior spaces, inspiring tranquility and fostering a connection to the hillside setting. The primary bedroom—affording the most north-facing view—guarantees privacy and presents a panoramic vista of the ocean.
Showcasing Art: Eclectic Collections in Harmony with Architecture
The couple’s art collection—spanning 10th-century sculptures to modern paintings—serves as an eclectic mélange that reflects their shared lives. Each piece, lovingly chosen and personally significant, contributes to their shared narrative. The design team focused on featuring art pieces in a way that allowed the subdued architecture to support them, creating a delicate interplay between the artworks and their surroundings. This symbiotic relationship ultimately shapes the home’s unique character.
Choice of Materials: Fostering Connection with the Outdoors
Materials such as book-matched travertine wall tiles, plywood-formed exposed concrete walls, and cedar plank ceilings bring warmth and texture into the space without compromising its lightness. These finishes, paired with wood elements like slats lining the corridors and framing the stairway, millwork, and engineered flooring, create a symbiotic relationship between the architecture and the lush gardens and greenery outdoors. The architectural palette embraces natural elements, seamlessly blending the indoors with the exterior. This approach achieves a delicate balance, emphasizing a dialogue between the structure and the surrounding natural environment. As a result, the Haiku House emerges as a testament to the power of organic design.
Final Reflection: A Home Shaped by the Land and its Owners
From its earliest conception to its final realization, the Haiku House reflects an architectural journey rooted in respect for the land and the vision of its owners. This isn’t merely a structure placed atop a hill, but rather, a living, breathing entity that embodies the land’s spirit. This profound connection with the natural surroundings, coupled with the eclectic art collection and strategic design elements, shapes the home’s unique character and ambiance.
In the end, the Haiku House stands as a spectacular blend of monumentality and minimalism, private retreat and social hub, artistic showcase and architectural marvel. It beautifully encapsulates the clients’ dreams and the essence of Maui, embodying the ultimate retirement sanctuary—a dream sculpted in steel, wood, and glass, cradled in the heart of nature.
Photography courtesy of See Arch
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- by Matt Watts
