Thoughts on building in paradise

[john the architect]

We built two homes in central HPP that most people wondered why we used steel and concrete, why they took a little extra effort, and all that stuff. No damage in the high winds, and they are the tallest buildings around. Tenants in one actually slept right through the storm. Just saying that there really is a reason for doing serious commercial-grade construction in paradise when things happen like this.

Joined the neighbors up and down the street to chainsaw and heft tree limbs so the roads would be open.

And on that subject, will anyone decide it is time to say that if you have a tree on your property that is higher than the distance to power lines that YOU must take it down? This mess in HPP could have been avoided with some thinking along those lines.

John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@me.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082
www.jmagreenbuilding.com

[TWK]

John I was curious how the alternative building materials would hold up,this is good to know.I have been slowly embracing the idea of steel and or concrete. My concern is longevity.
You could not be more right about the situation in HPP. Helco isn't responsible for trees on privately owned land. or county owned for that matter(unless by treaty).

I have worked for a huge company that was PUC regulated. I could write a book on the off the wall thinking some property owners concoct, however it would only be amusing to a few.Even fewer would buy it because they have already heard it all.

Your posted link didn't work. So I tried it in a new window/ new google search, still no go. I hope the posting of your phone# is an invite to call during business hours for more information or literature.We are on the mainland but plan to retire to the puna area in about a year. I know you've heard that before,our circumstance is a little different.The wife was 3rd generation on the island and the only one in her childhood home to leave.I have been there 5 of the last 6 yrs and she has been back I think 8 of the last 9. We like it there.

[TWK]

John the architect... is a delightful man obviously an academic and easy to talk to.(as in anything I may post please excuse spelling) TK

[TWK]

Atually punctuation too

[john the architect]

Yeoww! That non functional website has now been removed from my signature. I am supposed to have a new site that my son the tech genius (he really is good at that stuff) was making for me. Still do not have the replacement. Need to be a good dad and wait for him.
Happy to send examples of my completed or proposed work to those who ask. I will also be on-island September 26 to 30 spending time between the Keaau Ag Lots subdivision and central HPP.

Yes, it's been a bit like the three little pigs story, with questions and disbelief about my building methods through the construction, and then the revelation of experiencing the completed spaces and seeing the tallest homes around get through the storm unscathed.
Told 'em so.

John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@me.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082

[laurarice]

Anyone ever heard of DAC ART cast concrete homes. Amazing looking. Do you feel they would be appropriate for here?
http://www.scrapbookscrapbook.com/DAC-AR...ction.html

Laura

[MarkP]

I read about them. Looks really cool but really expensive.

[Tink]

Check out Castleblock under the posting of 2014 pricing package homes. Another alternative using concrete and steel.

Community begins with Aloha

[john the architect]

I posted something to this subject in another string, having a way to build with steel and concrete, more affordable than conventional methods and utilizing a local and natural waste product. I would design and specify a building like this if someone wants to do it, and I also have an HPP lot where this could be done. There are mechanics ready to do the work of mixing and pouring, we just need an adventurous investor who wants something unique.

John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@me.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082

[PauHana]

"Steelcrete" has an interesting method of exterior wall construction. I was looking into it several years ago, but ran out of ambition for another project. I enjoy the challenge, but not the grunt work any more. A Google search has pix and info.