Remixed & Reimagined

What began as a project before the COVID-19 pandemic has flourished into an award-winning new home and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for a Honolulu ohana. Homeworks Construction worked with the family to design and craft an abode honoring the childhood residence that once stood on the property and reimagining it for a new generation.

“My father grew up in the original single-story house here in Saint Louis Heights and used to sit up on the rooftop, likely in the 1950s, wishing there was a second floor for the view of Waikiki and Diamond Head,” says the homeowner. “Our parents [now] come over regularly to enjoy the view from our second floor, covered deck.”

A strong sense of place anchors the new build and ADU. The property lies upslope in the heart of Kaimuki, surrounded by plantation-style houses and buildings with vintage architecture. Homeworks thoughtfully planned out the project to take advantage of the hillside location’s sweeping views and breezes.

Large sliding pocket doors connect the open-concept kitchen and living area to the lanai for maximum indoor-outdoor enjoyment.

The kitchen combines aesthetics and functionality with shiplap walls, walnut butcher block counters and a quartz kitchen island with range.

Finishes and features combine classic Hawaii design styles with modern refinement. The lanai ceiling, for example, is an homage to the tongue-and-groove construction which the homeowner grew up with. A mix of board and batten and lap siding was painted in refreshing white with contrasting black double-hung windows, creating a contemporary twist on timeless curb appeal.

“As a design-build company, we are often tasked with guiding our clients down a path of discovery,” says Marshall Hickox, president of Homeworks. “In this case, the client was decisive and had a clear outcome in mind — from materials used, to palette and styles. Our task became to ensure that the functionality and scale were correct.”

Homeworks cleverly used high ceilings, open layouts, varying textures and indoor-outdoor integration to make the main residence feel more spacious than its 1,000 square feet. An 18-foot pocketing door opens to the covered lanai, while double barn doors lead to the walk-in pantry and closet.

The home was built with a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit that’s welcoming, spacious and airy.

Clean finishes and a fluid layout between the kitchen and living space provide warmth and comfort in the ADU.

“It’s a delicate balance to make sure there is harmony between large-format items like oversized windows and doors, beams on the ceiling, large barn pantry doors, and, of course, the massive stacking door within such a small space,” says Hickox.

The walnut butcher block counters, quartz kitchen island with range, and shiplap walls are among the homeowner’s favorite features. Additionally, the homeowner appreciates Homeworks’ attention to insulation, which mitigates heat and noise in the high-traffic area. “It has been a huge help with fireworks and our dog,” says the homeowner.

Woods and whites in the ADU bathroom reflect design themes from the main residence.

The new residence earned top honors in the 2023 BIA-Hawaii Building Industry Design and Construction Awards. The two-bedroom ADU, which incorporates finishes that keep its design cohesive with the main home, won a BIDCA award as well.

Although the project ran into delays during the pandemic, the homeowners say the process and results were worth the wait. “If you are building your forever home, invest in what you really want from the start,” the homeowner advises.

To contact Homeworks for your next project, call (808) 955-2777 or visit homeworkshawaii.com.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.