A modernist Hawaii mansion that appears to blend into its natural surroundings is bringing new meaning to the concept of green living—both inside and out.
The exceptional property is in Maui, where it has just listed for $5.5 million, was designed by Maui Architectural Group and boasts an incredibly unique layout that is essentially comprised of two boxlike structures, one of which appears to “float” atop the other.
Tucked into a hillside above the North Shore of the island, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom dwelling is the epitome of modernist minimalism, with large glass walls that not only maximize the incredible ocean views, but also help to “minimize their boundaries to the natural world.”
Nestled at the heart of a 2-acre plot, the home offers what co-listing agent Liam Ball, of Hawaii Life, describes as a “best of both worlds” package—one that provides every kind of luxury modern amenity one could hope for, without disturbing the harmony of its natural surroundings.
“This is an unusual property,” Ball explains. “Maui has what I call plantation architecture, which is beautiful in its own way, but there’s been a lack of interesting architecture.”
But even the most discerning design lovers would struggle to find this property lacking in interesting features—whether that intrigue comes from its array of eco-friendly additions or simply its fascinating structure.
Spanning 2,118 square feet and featuring two bedrooms and baths each, the property is set on 2 acres and split between two rectangular buildings.
On top of the main house is the green roof, which functions as both a design feature and a sustainable way to cool the interior.
“The two-bedroom house with its living green roof is tucked into the earth, and the art gallery-like farm office floats above the property tucking itself into the sky,” the listing notes.
The property also boasts its own solar energy system, which makes it completely self-sufficient and able to run on its own electricity, while a water catchment system that is cleverly concealed by the design of the two boxes helps to provide the property with a lasting supply of water.
“It’s very environmentally friendly,” says Ball, who has listed the home with his colleague, Josh Jerman.
“It generates its own electricity and catches its own water. There’s a two-acre parcel for growing food and an orchard for citrus, papayas, lemons and limes. You could live off the land if you want to.”
The home’s sustainability echos the neighborhood’s ethos, which Ball describes as a “granola, regenerative-type agriculture with off-grid-type people.”
“The neighborhood is not going to attract the high heels and makeup kind of buyer,” he adds.
Inside, the property has all the hallmarks of a traditional modernist design.
When asked how often a home like this comes on the market comes on the market in Maui, Ball’s response is “not very often.”
One reason is its contemporary architecture, including polished concrete floors, high ceilings and a gas fireplace.
Even so, there are covered lanais, seamless access to the outdoors and an outdoor shower, like you’d find at most homes in Hawaii.
Since it was completed in 2018, the property has had just one owner—the same man who commissioned the home in the first place out of a desire to create a modern sanctuary that merged seamlessly with the vibe of the local community.
“He loves Maui. He wanted to do something cool that was self-sustaining and contemporary, but that would fit with the vibe of that neighborhood, which is a more adventurous, off-grid type of community,” says Ball.
The property’s “best of both world” ethos extends to its location within the community—which provides all the best features of an off-grid paradise, with all the convenience of being situated just 15 minutes from the nearest town.
“You feel like you’re living off the land, an adventure kind of life, but Haiku’s town is a 15-minute drive with restaurants, cafes, bars and tarot-card readers,” Ball says, adding that Paia is also a short distance and “the last remaining legitimate Hawaiian town.”
“You get the best of both worlds. You can hang out at the martini bar and be home in 15 minutes and when you wake up, you feel like you’re in this wild, remote paradise—but you’re really not remote.”
