Green architecture – 3927 Kahala Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii

In this article we’re going to write about an ultra luxury home, located on the beach near Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu, Hawaii, which also has sustainable features. The modern five-bedroom home on 3927 Kahala Avenue has been designed and built by Long & Associates Architects. Because it has diverse sustainable features, it was recently awarded with LEED Gold certification.

A private entry courtyard leads to a contemporary 2-story home with wide entrance gallery where the stylized space unveils stunning ocean views. The open floor plan and pocketing doors enable the naturally cooling by winds and abundance of light, while deep overhangs provide shade for outdoor entertaining. The house is insulated with energy-efficient spray-foam and energy-efficient windows were installed in order to minimize solar heat gain. Aside the natural ways to lower the temperature in the house, it also has installed energy-efficient central air conditioning with multiple zones.

Rooftop passive solar water heating and the 20 panel photovoltaic system harness abundant sunshine of the area for energy efficiency. The photovoltaic array is able to produce 4.6 kW per hour. Integrated solar hot water heater system features a whole-home hot water recirculation. Solar power is used to power the exhaust fan in the garage.

The house has high ceilings, luxurious spa amenities like the 38 foot lap pool and separate spa, media/theatre room, a gourmet kitchen equipped with Energy-Star appliances, and a dedicated wine room with temperature control which can have a dual use as humidor. Stylish finishes such as travertine, marble and bamboo flooring, custom cabinetry, granite, marble countertops and more were used throughout the building.

The carefully selected finish materials are low-emitting and ecologically sound. They reused the previous building materials instead of demolition of the structure. Landscaping features are designed to avoid invasive species and minimize demand for water and chemicals used to maintain plants. It features water conserving and eco-friendly synthetic lawn, drought-tolerant native plants and drip irrigation throughout the land.

All of the technology related features the house offers are being processed through the electrical room, enabling easy access and long term maintenance. Such system enables custom decorative pedestrian gate with electronic entry, remote Energy-Star ceiling fans in every room, ceiling mounted speakers by SpeakerCraft with room by room sound control system, internet and DVR camera monitoring security system, pre-wired drapery-ready ceiling pockets for motorized shades and pre-wired options for satellite, cable, phone and data in most rooms which are also equipped with plasma televisions. The central security enables safety, smoke, and carbon monoxide alert system.