Diamond Standard

ADM Architecture + Interiors, winner of the 2024 AIA Honolulu Editor’s Choice Award, elevates Island home design with its stellar Hale Leahi project. This contemporary residence, located in the Diamond Head area, came to fruition through creative problem-solving and a collaborative relationship between ADM and the property owners.

“The client and the journey we went through together on this project is what really makes this project stand out in my mind,” says Grant Sumile, ADM principal. “From the start of concept design and all the way through construction, we worked closely with the client and shaped, discussed, debated, thought and rethought every idea — every form, every room, and every drawer — down to the last pull.”

Hale Leahi was a “dream project” for its recently retired owners. ADM had previously worked with the homeowner on commercial jobs, but designing and building a new abode for him and his wife would be their first residential project together. The vision for the property prioritized modern aesthetics, natural light and ventilation, ample square footage, privacy from the street, and open areas to take in beautiful views of Honolulu.

The primary suite, living spaces, and garage are situated on the same level, with easy access to indoor-outdoor recreation areas and views from Diamond Head.

The Hale Leahi site presented some architectural and construction challenges. According to Sumile, district regulations mandate increased yard setbacks and building height restrictions to prevent homes from obstructing views of Diamond Head. ADM designed Hale Leahi to tier down the slope of the extinct volcano, with its two-story, street-level presentation set back twice the required amount. The homeowners’ request for high ceilings added another layer of complexity for the architectural design team.

“A 13-foot ceiling height with a 15-foot maximum building height above the main finished floor elevation left us with just enough room for the structure that we needed to support the main roof,” explains Sumile. “We dropped a ‘floating’ soffit above the kitchen area to conceal the AC units that served the living area, and the soffit also served to bring down the scale and visually anchor the kitchen within the larger space.”

A fully appointed kitchen with an oversized island, wet bar, and luxe Miele appliances befits homeowners who love to cook.

Concrete plaster, metal, natural wood and synthetic wood were used on Hale Leahi’s exterior, which was designed in an “up-and-over” style with exterior walls rising up for privacy and a roof that hangs over to protect from the elements. Areas like the media room and pantry were smartly situated on the street side of the great room as “spatial barriers” for added discretion, says Sumile.

“The garage, main living spaces (great room, kitchen, laundry), primary suite and guest suite are all on the main level,” he adds. This arrangement “allows the home to function as if it were on a flat lot, which would allow the owners to age in place.”

Inside, this luxe home has three suites, a great room with an electric fireplace and a fully appointed kitchen. For homeowners who love to cook, ADM designed a culinary space with a 13-by-5-foot island, a wet bar, a 150-square-foot pantry and high-end Miele appliances.

The open layout provides a seamless transition between the kitchen and living spaces for relaxation or entertaining.

Glass sliding doors and high windows above the bed in the primary suite were strategically placed for ample natural light and ventilation.

“The interior finishes in the living and sleeping spaces are, for the most part, white painted drywall with wall-covering accents on a limited number of walls,” explains Sumile. “We wanted to provide a neutral canvas for the client’s wife to be able to have the freedom to let the furniture and artwork express her fun and adventurous personality.”

In contrast to the homeowners’ previous residence on the property, which was so dark that artificial light was always required even in the middle of the day, Hale Leahi was designed with abundant windows and doors to keep the home naturally cool and well-lit.

“Clerestory windows as well as vertical windows that turn the corner to become skylights were placed throughout the main level of the home, allowing enough natural light and ventilation to flow through the home,” notes Sumile. “The lights and AC can remain off most days.”

ADM Architecture + Interiors envisioned the primary bath with elegance, convenience and accessibility in mind.

Natural light flows in from a skylight in the primary bath, creating a refreshing effect.

Hale Leahi also has a photovoltaic system, which drastically reduces the need for power from the grid. A solar system heats the water in the home and natural gas warms up the spa that’s integrated into an infinity pool.

Phil Barker of Barker Kappelle Construction was the general contractor for Hale Leahi. Pool, water features and landscaping were done by Steve DeBiasi of DeBiasi Pacific. Sumile served as design principal, alongside the ADM team composed of principal-in-charge Darin Fukunaga, project manager Kreig Kihara, and interior designer Christina Pang.

“We really like to work closely with our clients and builders throughout the design and building process to come up with creative and sensible solutions,” says Sumile. “The finished product came out great.”

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.