Kaʻiulani

Having lived in their two-storey house in a beachside suburb for over twenty-five years, the decision had to be made; move, build or renovate.  Both the building and the moving choices were considered, but the owners knew that the position of their house and the sea views suited them too well to let go.

The house is substantial, but the downstairs’ family area, study and guest bedrooms were hardly used. A huge garden that runs the whole length of the house wasn’t used at all due to limited access, through the laundry door only!  The upstairs’ kitchen, two living areas and master suite were of their era, desperately needing to be reinvented, to take the house into the modern age. 

Di Henshall and her team reworked the entire house into new and exciting spaces, including the introduction of a downstairs’ kitchen leading straight out to a new deck and huge pool.  The extensive garden on the opposite side to the pool, never used by the owners, is now accessible through wide sliding doors from the new study and guest room, with a view to the delightful pergola and new landscaping.

The owners have long had a love affair with Hawaii and its playful, relaxed lifestyle, so Di imbued this feeling into the new house design, with subtle references and nods to their beloved US island state.  There was a certain amount of easing them out of their comfort zone, but they were open to fresh perspectives and trusting in the process of creating a whole new home for them to enjoy all over again.

One aspect of Hawaiian design that particularly appealed to our clients was the use of curves and arches, so a new vestibule was built to enclose the old porch, with arched slatted gates for security and street appeal.  An unused corner of the garden was swallowed up to create a new, incredibly useful walk-in linen room, right off the laundry.  The entire house has regained its formidable standing and grandeur on its large seaside block with beautiful views of the Coral Sea.