Clayton Korte

The designs for two houses at Keala Ranch located in Kauai’s North Shore are directly influenced by the Hawaiian landscape, reflecting their place with pragmatic vernacular building systems partnered with the unique characteristics of each location. The houses are thoughtful of their presence within their natural context and neighboring developments, sitting lightly on the land to nestle into the environment, minimizing impact upon the existing greater landscape. Utilizing innovative and sustainable building systems allows a high degree of craft while using minimal energy.

Most importantly, buildings are oriented to celebrate the mild Hawaii climate with a one room wide approach to capture the prevailing breeze and facilitate cross ventilation. Exterior circulation promotes the use of outdoor space and reduces the amount of interior area to be conditioned. Bedrooms and private living areas open to decks or secluded gardens with large rolling doors allowing every room to have seamless connections with the outdoors.

These homes will act as private retreats that can function for a single couple or accommodate larger families, with each bedroom suite occupying its own level of intimacy to maximize the individual’s experience with nature.