Welcome to Paradise

Few would disagree that Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places to call home. On Oahu’s North Shore, a uniquely designed abode embraces the perks of paradisal living while honoring Island ecosystems and natural resources. Peter Vincent Architects and Mokulua High Performance Builder won the 2023 LEED Outstanding Single Family Project award from the U.S. Green Building Council for their work on the “Slice of Paradise” residence in Kahuku. The honor was among the national 2023 LEED Homes Awards, which recognizes projects, developers and home builders that have demonstrated leadership in the residential green building marketplace.

“Collaborating with the homeowner to bring their dream beach home to life is always an exciting endeavor,” says Peter Vincent. “In designing Slice of Paradise, careful consideration was given to the site and how to best configure the residence on the property. The name itself, Slice of Paradise, mirrors the narrow strip of land extending to the ocean.”

The long and narrow property required a creative architectural layout and approach. Vincent and his team opted for a project scope with multiple dwellings connected by strategically situated open-air spaces for optimal ocean views. The ocean also served as inspiration for the motor court, which was artistically designed to mimic rolling waves.

An open-air entryway and pool pavilion provide a relaxing space for entertaining guests.

A large, open-air entry and pool pavilion frame the courtyard that leads to the main house. Among the pavilion’s features are travertine floors and mahogany doors, a kitchenette, game room, full bath and covered lanai with a built-in barbecue and pizza oven. Whether dining poolside or enjoying a swim in the 45-foot lap pool that separates the pavilion from the main house, guests are treated to the picturesque sights and serene sounds of the Pacific shores in the distance.

“The overall design seamlessly integrates passive cooling and embraces indoor-outdoor living, resulting in a harmonious space that is both open and sheltered,” says Vincent. “This approach ensures a beach home that not only captures the beauty of its surroundings, but also prioritizes functionality and comfort.”

The main house has a lanai that connects to the courtyard and another that faces the ocean. This creates a refreshing atmosphere for the fluid layout of the great room and kitchen. Natural stonework and exquisite wood elements were meticulously selected, crafted and installed for an organic, yet sophisticated, aesthetic. Wood doors and windows customized with expansive glazing allow natural light and color from the surrounding environment to infuse the home with energy. Decorative lighting elements were chosen to add complementary warmth to limestone tile floors.

This custom stairway was patterned by the homeowner and outfitted with mahogany handrails. Solid teak treads provide a warm contrast to a coral-colored limestone feature wall.

Working on the details of this project “was a pleasure in every aspect,” shares Vincent. The homeowner, who also took on the role of interior designer, collaborated with Vincent’s design team “seamlessly” to integrate an appropriate balance of size, scale and sustainability. This makes the home a “health-conscious space for the future,” Vincent says, “reinforcing the feasibility of sustainable building and design, which can be easily implemented into the design process, incorporated into any aesthetic, and is suitable for any location.”

Aligning the sustainable architectural design of the home with one of the Islands’ leaders in green building, Vincent and his team partnered with Mokulua High Performance Builder to construct the project. The Kailua-based general contractor was also recognized in the 2023 LEED Homes Awards as top LEED Power Builder, a distinction given to an elite group of developers and builders that achieve LEED certification for at least 75% of its completed homes from the previous year.

“These recognitions reflect our commitment to sustainable design practices and promise to our aina and the people that live within,” says Mike Fairall, Mokulua High Performance Builder principal. “We are committed to minimizing the impact construction has on the environment while maximizing the quality of life for our clients and their investment.”

Tile and stone sequences are intricately laid throughout the home, with large stone slabs serving as artistic focal points in the kitchen.

Each bathroom has distinct details that carry the home’s overall design themes of simplicity and Island-inspired ambience.

Slice of Paradise is a LEED Platinum-certified residence, with additional Energy Star and EPA Indoor airPlus credentials. Its lumber package received sustainability approval by the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Water and energy systems in the home were thoughtfully implemented to meet conservation standards.

“Our design philosophy is to seamlessly integrate sustainable design practices and relate to the specific project site,” explains Vincent. “We prioritize water efficiency, air quality, temperature reduction and energy efficiency by utilizing environmentally friendly products. Embracing the natural surroundings, we implement strategies such as natural ventilation and passive cooling to craft spaces that are not only efficient, but also effective and durable.”

Views of the Pacific Ocean are awe-inspiring from any vantage point in the property.

Additionally, Vincent notes that on select projects, “we contribute to environmental sustainability by diverting materials from landfills through collaboration with Re-use Hawaii. This initiative allows us to reclaim materials, creating affordable building resources for the community.”

Major suppliers for the Slice of Paradise project include HPM for lumber and millwork, Quantum Windows & Doors, Ferguson Plumbing, Lighting Concepts, Pacific Source, Fine Woods Hawaii, Poseidon Pools and Ace Tile.