CHALLENGE
This home is located on a remote hillside outside of Captain Cook, Hawaiʻi, at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level, with expansive views over the Pacific Ocean. While the site offered exceptional orientation, climate, and outlook, it also presented clear constraints. Skilled construction labor is limited and costly on the islands, material availability is inconsistent, and extended build schedules can significantly impact project budgets. The challenge was to deliver a high-craft, architecturally expressive residence that could be constructed efficiently, withstand the tropical environment, and fully engage the ocean-facing setting, without relying on prolonged on-site fabrication.
SOLUTION
We addressed these constraints through a hybrid design and construction strategy centered on pre-manufactured timber construction. The primary structural frame was designed in collaboration with a specialized timber fabricator in Bali, Indonesia, and constructed from teak selected for its durability, dimensional stability, and performance in humid, coastal climates. By pre-manufacturing the frame off-site, the project significantly reduced on-island labor demands while ensuring a high level of precision and craftsmanship.
The timber frame establishes both structure and architectural character, with exposed posts, beams, and trusses defining the interior volumes and shaping the exterior expression. The roof geometry and overhangs are calibrated for solar control, ventilation, and protection from heavy rains, while maintaining openness toward prevailing breezes and ocean views. Interior spaces are organized around a central volume beneath the timber structure, allowing light, air, and views to move freely through the home. Sliding glass doors, clerestory glazing, and covered outdoor areas extend living spaces outward, reinforcing a strong connection between interior and landscape.
Material selections throughout the home prioritize longevity and low maintenance, pairing the teak frame with simple wall finishes, concrete floors, and high-performance glazing suited to the island climate. The result is a building that feels both refined and resilient, balancing craft with pragmatism.
RESULT The Captain Cook Timber Residence demonstrates how thoughtful pre-manufacture and global collaboration can support high-quality residential architecture in remote environments. By shifting critical fabrication off-site, the project achieved greater cost control, reduced construction time, and minimized logistical risk, without compromising architectural intent. The completed home sits lightly on its site, oriented toward the Pacific, and defined by a warm, expressive timber structure that anchors daily life to climate, view, and place. It is a durable, efficient, and distinctly site-responsive residence designed for long-term living in Hawaiʻi.
[*Completed in collaboration with Tamarack Grove]