Living the Dream

Prowork Pacific Inc. designs an expansive new home for a large family in Portlock.

The owners of this gorgeous island home searched long and hard for the right lot on which to build. 

With seven kids, sufficient space was at the top of their wish list, and the family was fortunate to find the perfect spot with stunning views in the Portlock neighborhood. Although the lot was large, the owners didn’t want the house to consume all of the land. Instead, “we wanted it to be inviting from the street, and really provide true wow factor from the inside,” one of the homeowners explains. The owners partnered with Prowork Pacific Inc. and architect Jimmy Wu to bring to life their vision for wow-inducing, indoor-outdoor living to life. 

Prynce Mussel of Standing Stone Construction, who the homeowners call “a true craftsman,” and his team constructed the home, hand-hammering every nail of the frame. Together, the homeowners and Wu refined the architectural details. Wu shared with them a variety of ways to bring the outdoors in: “This location is primed for a beautiful open space that maximizes the magnificent view,” Wu says. By first leveling out the lot, the homeowners were able to make the most of the indoor and outdoor space. The home’s large layout features sweeping views of Diamond Head from the home’s main areas, and outside there’s still plenty of room for a yard and a pool. Wu’s favorite part, and the home’s signature feature, is the two-level, indoor-outdoor lanai. “It opens up the space into the outdoor living area, which is the whole reason for living in paradise,” Wu says. “They get to enjoy everything that blending the two spaces has to offer — including the gorgeous view!”

Inside, Wu was able to provide space for just about everything the homeowners could want, including an in-law suite, master retreat, four additional suites, a theater, gourmet kitchen, two bars, a formal dining room, two living rooms and a wine cellar. Outside is a pool, spa and lounge area, and an outdoor trellis with barbecue and an outdoor shower. Local coral veneer faces the exterior pillars and local wood was used on the trellis overhanging the cookout area. Lava rock lines the face of the exterior perimeter. Additionally, natural finishes were selected throughout the home to complement the landscape of the surrounding areas. Sand-color slate flooring flows through most of the living areas onto the covered lanai, unifying the spaces.

The living spaces, kitchen, and dining room are all open to the outdoors. The latter features an impressive 30-foot wide pocket door installed by Kings Custom Koa. Other custom touches, such as a curved 10-foot shower wall with hand-cut Italian stone in the master bath, and a floating slab of granite over the white coral wall in the living room, were the homeowners’ own design. The homeowners refer to the master bedroom suite as their own personal “west wing,” which is useful when they want to get away from it all. A serene palette keeps the retreat calm and inviting. 

Functional but breathtaking design makes this home an island paradise for its large family. “The best part is that I can play soccer with my kids, go for a swim, watch a movie in the theater, have dinner while watching the sun set over Diamond Head and end the night in our suite, all without leaving the house,” the homeowner says.