What does your lot look like? Not what do you fantasize it will look like - does but what does it really look like. This is the design equivalent of taking off all your clothes and looking at your naked body realistically. Okay. Whew. Now that we have looked at the features on your lot realistically, do you see any thing that just stands out?
Good or bad, let’s look at those features and how it will affect your design. An example is a tumulus on the lot. You can 1) incorporate it into the future foundation 2) bulldoze it flat 3) move your footprint over so you can look out your lanai at the orchids you will plant in the future. I am a big fan of trying to use the features so that your view will be spectacular as you landscape in the future.
Okay so your are now going to face your lanai (deck/patio) towards it which may affect other items in your floor plan that you wrote on a cocktail napkin when you and your wife took that trip to Hawaii and where drinking mai tai’s on the deck at sunset. (You know you all have them!!!)
So here are some good links to design sites: www.bonadesign.com – Daniel is innovative and has 20+ years experience designing in Hawaii. He has a master’s in architecture and more importantly he built he own home! Robert Latenser is a talented architect who resides in Puna and has done some incredible. There is also Matt Iseger and Erin Rose, both located in Puna, who are capable drafts people. Robert Smelker, AIA stamps plans for them.
When talking with anyone of the above, please take into consideration their advice. All of them are familiar with the terrain, the climate and the basic design errors that many people make. They all will try to steer you in a design that not only will be pleasing but also functional.
Here are the questions you will need to answer (from www.naturalhome.com ) before the design process begins:
What climate are you in? A house in Mountain View as opposed to Kona will deal with rainfall more than the necessity of trade winds. A house in Waimea will require a heat source of some type.
What materials do you like and what is available on the Big Island? How will transporting materials long distances to your site versus using local products?
Who has expertise using your favored materials? Learning curves are steep.
What is your site like? Consider slope; sun and shade; vegetation; wind; rainfall and drainage; noise; views; privacy; and the local culture.
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