Design Associates Kauai Portfolio
  • Project: Hormel Residence
  • Location: Moloa`a Bay, Kaua`i
  • Description: A modern interpretation of the classic plantation home, this home is deftly tucked into the jungle hillside with commanding views of Moloa'a Bay.
the Hormel home sits at the top of a long steep driveway. This site was challenging and rewarding due it's steepness, and the narrow area available for the house A handsome set of double decks greet visitors to the Hormel home.The Hormel house is one of less than two dozen homes on Kaua'i with Photo Voltaic (PV: solar electric panels) and a grid tie-in with 'net metering' Excess electricity generated by the PV panels is sold back to the island electric utility KIUC to run the meter backwards.a 110' snaking 'pohaku' (Hawai'ian for 'stone') clad retaining wall curves around the house and holds up the hillside and allowing for a small side yard. Dramatic landscape lighting highlights the sway and bow.One of two outdoor showers incorporated into the retaining wall. This shower is for the guest cottage above the garage.View from the upper tile-clad deck looking toward the Guest cottageLots of natural ventilation and a deck facing directly out to sea makes this 500 sq.ft. Guest Cottage the best seat in the houseThis stunning view of Moloa'a Bay demanded an architectural design response - this view is from the covered second story deck immediately outside the Master bedroom.His and Hers sinks, glass shower, a full-size soaking tub with views of the jungled hillside and lots of natural light and ventilation make this Master bath a pleasure.The dining/living room has striking open beam tongue&groove ceilings, lots of natural light and ventilation, as well as two telescoping glass slider door sets that neatly disappear into pockets when fully opened.perimeter cove lighting is designed right into the moulding for a lovely soft glow in the eveningsexterior night time shot of the living room (lower left) and kitchen (lower right) . Note the continuous row of louvers above the windows and sliding glass doors. This allows the entire house to 'breath', a hallmark of DAK designed homes.