Halekai

Private residence – Ewart Investments Limited.

Halekai: A Coastal Sanctuary in Vertical Layers

Perched by the sea and aptly named Halekai — Hawaiian for “house by the sea”—this private residence is a study in spatial ingenuity and contextual sensitivity. Conceived for a homeowner who desired absolute privacy from the adjacent residential apartment on the same plot, the design responds with a blank northern façade, punctuated only by minimal apertures. This stark elevation acts as a shield, preserving the serene intimacy of the home.

To meet the client’s desire for a lawn where his dogs could play each evening, a landscaped garden was positioned at the entry level, opening directly from the living room. Consequently, the swimming pool—typically at ground level—was relocated to the third floor, aligning with the master suite. This strategic move transformed the master bedroom into a private retreat, complete with an outdoor bathing space and a walk-in tub nestled within a lush green garden.

The home unfolds vertically across eight split levels, each meticulously designed to optimize spatial separation and views. All levels are interconnected by an elevator, which opens on different sides depending on the floor, contributing to an ever-changing internal experience. Five bedrooms are spread across these levels, ensuring both seclusion and comfort for residents and guests alike.

At the heart of the home is the library and reading lounge, accessible from a sculptural central staircase rising from the living room. This space, suspended above the main living area, opens toward the sea, offering framed vistas and a sense of calm reflection. The result is a dialogue between interior and exterior, between architectural form and the horizon beyond.

Halekai is not just a house—it is a vertical coastal sanctuary, where each level is a new discovery, and each space, a response to light, privacy, and the sound of the sea.