High-rise heaven

The same team remodels two new condos to maximize ocean views at a luxury high-rise

STORY SUMMARY »

Two couples recently seized an opportunity to acquire spectacular ocean-view units in a new Honolulu condominium project, Hokua. Though the couples have never met, they had one thing in common: Their quest to find these units and transform them to complement their lifestyles led them to our door.

It's magical when there truly is a meeting of the minds; when a client's vision, often unable to be translated into words, is our vision as well. This was the case with these two very special clients.

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FULL STORY »

The Challenge

As with all existing structures, and even more so in a condominium building, one is faced with immovable structural systems, conduits, plumbing lines and air-conditioning equipment. In order to expand their living areas, both clients were willing to open a bedroom to the living area.

Openings were designed to be as wide as possible, be functional for both spaces in terms of where furniture could be placed, respect the immovable building systems and enhance the room by creating a unique design statement.

The Process

Two-bedroom unit

A relatively small second bedroom, meant to be a guest bedroom and small home office, was adjacent to the living room. Access was through a narrow hall, which led off the main hall and ended at the master bedroom.

Designing Minds On the first Friday of each month, the Star-Bulletin and the Hawaii chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers feature a local designer sharing details of a recent project, whether it involves a room transformation or a project started from the ground up. This month we feature Shari Saiki of Shari Saiki Design Studio. The Project: Two projects in the same luxury high-rise building, Hokua -- a two-bedroom unit and a three-bedroom penthouse. The design process began on the day of the clients' construction walk-through, with fresh paint on the walls and the smell of new carpet permeating the rooms. Although the units would be handed over in prime condition, both couples wanted more: an expansion of the living area, with an urban, contemporary design aesthetic. The Team: Interior designer Shari Saiki Design Studio, Jeff Daniel General Contractor and many subcontractors.

A 5-foot opening was cut between this bedroom and the living area. As the room would sometimes be used by guests, occasional visual privacy was required. Two wall-hung, sliding Lumicor acrylic panels were installed to create this privacy.

The vertical reed panels with lining were selected for function as well as their addition to the design aesthetic of both rooms. The panels were attached to stainless steel channels hooked onto a smooth, gliding track. With the panels partially closed, one has a teasing glimpse of a pumpkin-colored wall with exotic wall carvings and sumptuous fabrics beyond.

The newly laid carpet was removed and reused by the client in another property. A black, grainy Permagrain commercial wood floor, selected for its durability, replaced the carpet in the living room, dining room, second bedroom and hall. It integrated and unified all of these spaces and created a dramatic backdrop for the deep, rich earthy colors and multitude of textures selected for the furnishings, accessories, art and fabrics.

Three-bedroom penthouse

A pocket-size third bedroom and walk-in closet sat adjacent to the living room. The side wall of this room was also the large blank wall you walked into upon entering the unit. The clients were happy to remove this third bedroom to enlarge the living area and to allow them to experience the multimillion-dollar view from the moment they walked through the front door.

We felt it important to retain a formal foyer, however, so a low wall was built to separate the entry from the newly expanded living area. Atop this wall, a thick sheet of glass was installed, etched with a stylized pattern inspired by the silk fabric used in the furnishings. The etching was applied horizontally across the glass panel and positioned below the line of sight, so as not to interfere with the view of blue sky and even bluer ocean beyond.

Custom-designed sapele/ ebony wood cabinetry now spans an entire wall in the living area to provide much needed storage, display and media placement.

The Outcome

Both clients expressed pleasure that their goals were accomplished in a way that enhanced the overall design of the units. Their vision was translated into a real, living environment, bringing comfort, inspiration and beauty to their lives.