Coral House is a project designed by de Reus Architects. At its heart, this vacation house is about creating a sanctuary where a multigenerational family can share experiences and create memories. Overlooking Maui’s southern shore with views to the ocean, mountain landscapes and other nearby islands, this home was designed to experience nature and support active lifestyles. Photography by Travis Rowan.
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The 6,000-square-foot home’s architecture by de Reus Architects is both contemporary and casual befitting its coastal neighborhood, intended family use and a less-is-better approach that results in a minimalist aesthetic. A strong connection with nature and livability drives the arrangement of the home’s main gathering spaces. A covered lanai sits between the pool and interior living, dining and kitchen spaces. Large pocket doors open to merge the exterior and interior spaces. They allow for an open plan with kitchen, dining and living areas integrated into a single casual space that uses a unified language of material finishes and detailing.
The home’s interior design by Philpotts Interiors is thoughtfully considered and paired to beautifully respond to both the architecture and place. A nod to Hawaiian culture is reflected in the vocabulary of many of the pieces, such as the Leis made from teak in the entry, which reference Hawaiian Kapa cloth wall covering and wood carvings, and the locally sourced Ohia wood found in the entry way, great room, kitchen and dining area, bedrooms and lanai. A deep blue granite was used on the countertops and backsplash in the kitchen adding to the overall drama of the centrally located space. Luxurious and custom pieces, in some cases by Philpotts Interiors, are sprinkled throughout in the form of benches, coffee tables, mirrors and wall art. Select furnishings by Maui Custom Woodworks and Janis et Cie, wallcoverings by Mark Alexandar and pillows by Jim Thompson, among countless others, add to the warmth and character of the home.
Sustainable strategies, including large roof overhangs for shading, green roofs, natural ventilation, metal-clad doors and windows for durability, photovoltaic solar panels and battery storage, a well-insulated building envelope, high-performance glazing, brise-soleil sun screens, ceiling fans to augment natural ventilation, stormwater management, daylighting, use of local Ohia hardwood, and energy efficient appliances, resulted in LEED Silver certification.
Project Team
Architecture: de Reus Architects
Interior Designer: Philpotts Interiors
Landscape Architect: VITA Planning and Landscape Architecture
Builder: Colt Construction
de Reus Architects Team
Design Principal: Mark de Reus
Managing Principal: Dan Dzakowic
Project Architect: Eric Anderson
Project team: Christopher Strahle, Lindsey Akiona
Job Captain: Brandt Loo
Philpotts Interiors Team
Design Partner: Marion Philpotts Miller
Senior Designer: Anne Tanaka
Photography: Travis Rowan