A Great Escape

There’s a shift happening in design and building trends in the Islands, and this stunning Kohanaiki property exemplifies it. The custom residence by Le Architecture and Armstrong Builders beautifully combines nostalgic Hawaiiana themes, midcentury aesthetics and advanced structural practices.

“The resurgence of midcentury modern design principles reflects a desire for timeless and sophisticated architecture, while incorporating innovative elements for the current era,” says James Keller, president of Armstrong Builders. “This trend is characterized by cleaner lines, lower-pitch roofs and an emphasis on open glass elements, creating a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces.”

Located on a picturesque swath of the Kona coast, the Kohanaiki project comprises a 6,430-square-foot property with a single-story main house and a detached unit and garage. The primary residence has four bedrooms with an en suite bathroom in each; the two-bedroom detached unit includes a living room and kitchenette.

The great room is bright and breathtaking. Le Architecture and Armstrong Builders accommodated a ridge elevation of about 20 feet to create a relaxing space where light and air flow from all sides.

Khoi Le, whose namesake architecture firm has worked on internationally renowned hospitality and residential projects, incorporated schematic elements from the homeowners’ previous home into their new spaces. Materials were selected with the surrounding natural environment in mind — indigenous plants, rich woods and lava rock walls reflect Hawaii Island’s distinctive tropical and rural mystique.

“When I was approached about this residence, I was both honored and excited,” says Le. “It’s always a privilege to be entrusted with such a significant property and to collaborate with clients who appreciate the importance of thoughtful design. From the outset, I recognized the potential for a truly transformative journey — one that would unfold over several years and involve a deep partnership between the clients, myself and the contractor. The alignment of our personalities and vision was crucial, ensuring a harmonious process and outcome.”

One of the features that Le and Keller both admire in the main house is its expansive great room. According to Keller, design and construction of this space required accommodating a ridge elevation of roughly 20 feet. “Overcoming this challenge required the use of large beams made of structural steel, showcasing our commitment to innovation and structural excellence,” he says. “Another notable detail is the exposed cedar rafter tails. Rather than taking truss tails for overhangs, we installed custom-sized cedar rafter tails that were stained to match the soffits to add complexity.”

Expansive glass windows are incorporated throughout the Kohanaiki residence to fully capture the beauty of its natural surroundings.

Interior design by Averylily adds Island-style ease with soothing colors and soft fabrics.

Le adds that the great room “is one of my favorite layouts with its ability to let light and air in on all four sides of the room. From here, you can see the ocean and the mountains at the same time and it’s really special.”

Indoor-outdoor living elements allow the homeowners and visitors to bask in Hawaii Island’s ethereal ambience. Le explains that large windows frame captivating views of the horizon, and a generous picture window in the kitchen “enabled the homeowner to enjoy the serenity of her garden while going about daily tasks.” Keller notes that a detached pergola with integrated lighting and a thatched roof balances “natural elements and dimensional design.”

A view from the bath highlights the project’s timelessly clean lines, innovative use of spatial elements and strong connection to its Hawaii Island locale.

“We had to seamlessly transition to ohia columns, known for their non-dimensional appearance, into dimensional beams and cedar trusses,” he adds. “The result is a captivating outdoor space that harmoniously blends with nature.”

Keller also credits work on the project by interior design firm Averylily, Walk on Wood floor company, Norelco Cabinets and JD Painting. The collaboration earned top nods for Armstrong Builders, Le Architecture and the project team in the 2023 BIA-Hawaii Building Industry Design and Construction Awards, including the Hawaii Home + Remodeling Editor’s Choice honor.

“It’s exactly how we envisioned it,” says Le. “Our design philosophy sought to evoke a profound sense of place, rooted in the distinctive character of Hawaii’s tropical landscape. By blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, and by employing materials that resonate with the natural environment, we aimed to imbue the residence with a sense of authenticity and belonging — a true reflection of its Island setting.”

To view the complete list of BIA BIDCA winners, click here.

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.