PHOTO BY AARON LEITZ
THE PRIORITY
To create open spaces that welcome in light, air and views of the ocean for this Kihei, Maui penthouse. “The owner’s brief was to design an open-plan layout that maximized the western views of the ocean and natural light while incorporating durable interior finishes suitable for a family with young children,” explains Matthew Kent, AIA, principal and owner of Kor Architects (korarchitects.com).
In the Great Room and throughout the home, all cabinetry and ceiling treatments are by Interior Environments (iecustom.com) and the custom brass panels are by Decorative Metal Arts (decorativemetalarts.com). PHOTO BY AARON LEITZ
THE CHALLENGE
Ensure natural light reaches the secondary spaces through the main living areas. “We created a series of freestanding cast glass walls that allow light to filter deeply into the penthouse,” says Kent, who worked with contractor DowBuilt (dowbuilt.com). “The cast glass panels have a textured side resembling seafoam and a smooth opposite side that represents tranquil water, with varying heights. When installed in custom steel frames, the surfaces were alternated in random patterns, creating an illusion of waves washing ashore when viewed from a distance while allowing transparency and light into the spaces.”
Holly Hunt Theo’s pendants light up the Alape (alape.com) vessel sink and Dornbracht (dornbracht.com) vessel faucet spout and faucet handles found in the powder room. PHOTO BY AARON LEITZ
THE STRATEGY
The clients wanted to create a sense of intimacy between each functional space. “We used bronze-clad walls to bookend the living space, which created a partial barrier between the kitchen/dining area and the more intimate den,” says Kent. The delineation of space was reinforced by a custom wood ceiling that alternates between solid panels at the bronze panels and slats at each area. “The slats run parallel to the water, focusing your eye to the water; the same slats are echoed in the gallery space, which draws you through from the entry foyer to the main living space,” Kent explains. “The bronze panels mimic the bark of trees that line the waterfront and glow beautifully with the light from the legendary Maui sunsets.” All interior soft furnishings are upholstered in exterior fabric to allow for sea, sand and the younger members of the family.
In the Great Room, architectural art glass panels are by Glassworks (glassworksinc.com). PHOTO BY AARON LEITZ
THE DESIGN
Maui’s unique character inspired the choice of materials, including bronze paneling, freestanding cast-glass walls, vibrant upholstery and colorful art. Interior designer Barbara Leland collaborated on this project and was also committed to selecting finishes that would enhance the vivid oranges, pinks, purples and reds that paint the sky as the sun sets.
A Holly Hunt (hollyhunt.com) Sea Urchin pendant floats above the custom side table in the primary bedroom. PHOTO BY AARON LEITZ
THE OUTCOME
A relaxed vacation home filled with light, air and ocean views was created for friends and family to enjoy island living at its best.
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