In the rain-rich beach town of Kailua – specifically Haiku, nestled in the lush Valley Isle of Maui – a new residence by Hawaii Off Grid reimagines what it means to live sustainably in the islands. Located on Maui’s windward side, where misty trade winds and dense greenery define the landscape, the Kailua Residence is perfectly situated to engage with both the beauty and the intensity of the natural environment. With a striking roofline and a minimalist form, the home is a study in resilient, site-specific design—crafted not just to withstand the elements, but to work harmoniously with them.
Designed for a client seeking a contemporary home that celebrated light while enduring the region’s weather, the project balances architectural clarity with ecological sensitivity. From the start, Hawaii Off Grid approached the brief with both restraint and purpose: keep the footprint modest, honor the budget, and make every design decision count for the environment.
The standout feature is the roof – a sharply considered form that performs double duty. Sloped strategically to capture solar energy through photovoltaic panels, it also serves as a passive design tool, shielding the home from Haiku’s frequent rains and deflecting the intensity of the late-day western sun. This dual-purpose roof falls into Hawaii Off Grid’s climate-responsive design philosophy, which extends beyond net-zero to carbon-positive when possible.
Timber plays a central role in the material palette, not only for its natural warmth but also for its ability to store carbon – a critical choice in hopes of reducing climate change. The use of wood throughout the structure reflects the firm’s long-standing commitment to sustainable building practices, developed through decades of working in environmentally sensitive Pacific locales.
Hawaii Off Grid principal David Sellers brings a global perspective rooted in hands-on experience – from working as a mechanic on fishing boats in Alaska to leading research initiatives on the remote Palmyra Atoll. These experiences have deeply influenced his design ethos, emphasizing durability, simplicity, and environmental accountability.
Though the footprint remains intentionally compact, the interior offers a surprising sense of expansiveness. High, slanted ceilings create vertical openness, while white walls and generous windows flood the space with natural light. Polished concrete floors run throughout, adding a sleek, tactile quality that reflects light and enhances the home’s airy atmosphere. Black accents – seen in the window frames, kitchen cabinetry, appliances, and select furnishings – provide a striking contrast to the clean white palette, lending a refined sense of depth and modern sophistication.
For more information on the Kailua Residence or Hawaii Off Grid, visit hawaiioffgrid.com.
Photography by Travis Rowan.
