Hawaiian Bungalows

[Rob Tucker]

I'd like to hear a bit more. The web site mentions advanced technology.... I wonder that that means and there seems to be no clarity on the site. I'm always interested in new building methods.

Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator

[Wao nahele kane]

Blake,
Though not square/rectangular, these guys may have something along the lines of what you've cited.
Have you seen this site yet?
http://multi-facettedhomes.com/Flr%20Plans.htm


E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.

[Blakeyboy1]

Mahalo Wao nahele kane. I am familiar with multi-faceted. They are cool but not exactly what we have been looking for. I do know several people I have met that are building one and I am looking forward to visiting them!

Rob I will be sure to pass along anything I find out. Thanks everyone for the comments!

-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/

[mella l]

I'd like to see floor plans that have been completed in Hawaii. Has anyone on the forum been in or seen one of these places in person? Photos would be nice. The site gives me the feeling that this is an off shore business, just wondering.

mella l

"New York London Paris Hilo"

[Blakeyboy1]

I do know the guy (Mike Moore) grew up on TBI and his father help launch the Natural Energy Lab. I assume he is still based on TBI.

-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/

[Wao nahele kane]

"If you are looking for a home under $100/s.f., we may not be what you are looking for, because we do focus on quality."

I'd recommend finding an experienced company to do the job as these folks are clearly lacking any real experience in the biz. Especially considering todays economic situation, with the drop in labor and materials prices.

Adding...
Blake -
We stayed in one of those places that I provided a link to.
It was a single wall, the quality was excellent and I would cite it as a great value for anyone who is looking for something simple, fairly quick, and who doesn't have much experience with building on their own. The one we stayed in had plenty of roof overhang for the deck, etc.
They might make square models too as they cited custom design availability. The H shape footprint may make a panel design possible.
Many people don't care for the octagon and personally I'm not too thrilled about them either. However, if using some of the smaller octagon models in conjunction with one of the larger models, they fall in line (but not octagonal based) with what's been built in the resort/hotel zoned neighborhoods such as those found at the Four Seasons resort in Kona. More open air type living (I built a couple of those at the Four Seasons back in 2000).

The reasoning behind the octagon design is the wall and roof panel size and their ease in human handling and setting. That's something hard pressed to accomplish in a square design, but not impossible and probable with an H shape foot print, though you may have to have the roof system site built.

E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.

[Blakeyboy1]

I am thinking I didn't make such a great impression....

Hey Blake,

Thanks for the referral! Looks like you guys are serious about Hawaii!

Hopefully we will be able to assist in making your transition a positive one.

Keep in touch,

mike

-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/

[Wao nahele kane]

Blake,
What sort of walls are you looking for? Single wall or Double wall? If you're not requiring Air Conditioning, there's no legitimate need for double wall.

The site you provided the link for isn't something I would trust and there are several reasons for this. Anytime a company is doing a start up site and engaging in a new "system". There's a need to outline the system, there's also a need to provide former project details inclusive of photographs, a portfolio. I see nothing in the site with the exception of an article written by the site owner that is filled with a few pictures that are not necessarily former projects but rather perhaps plagiarized images inducing misrepresentation to the visitor. Another concern is the claims in the article about an affordable housing business model yet in the letter he sent you he claims the opposite with regard to cost per square foot.

If it's a start up company and site... they need to indicate that and give verifiable details of former projects or experience. From what I read it sounded as if this Mike gent is trying to claim recognition for an Architectural Style that has been around the block a time or two.

These types of homes have been looming about for years and much of it was inspired from Bali Bale Architecture and not what was indicated in the article.

Lucky Bennett has done some incredible homes around the Island as well as other architects. Many of these awesome resort/hotel zoned homes sell in the multi million dollar range. One of the houses I was working on was valued at about 2.5 million in 2000 but listed for sale in 2007 for 26 million.
The design styles are nothing new, impressive but not new.

If you're really impressed by the design shown in the website you might want to investigate getting a house package or design set from the following folks.
http://www.balemaker.com/featuredtropicalhouse.shtml

E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.

[Blakeyboy1]

Again mahalo. Great information. I was at a party in Hilo on the 23rd of December and was told by a builder that single wall construction would soon be illegal in 2010 due to national energy codes. I find that to be just awful considering the climate in Hawai'i. Still we were looking at double wall even though we do not plan AC except perhaps a wall unit where we plan to sleep (a master bedroom if we go that route).

I wonder if my friend John the Architect is lurking out there? John perhaps I will email you. This is not typically the style you do but would you be up for taking something like this on?

I spent several hours formulating a detailed response to Mike at Hawaiian Bungalows. I get that he is running a business and he must feel that we are not ready to engage but I feel a little blown off by his response. Just sayin'.


-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/

[Rob Tucker]

Aloha Blake,

While it may not be obvious the climate in Hawaii does not preclude the need for an energy code. On this island alone we have a full range of climates as we range from seaside to mountain top.

Warm and often muggy weather at or near sea level has many people believing that life in the tropics requires a ceiling fan operating in every room. Each fan has a motor that draws electricity. Proper design should include a roof design that prevents heat from entering and building up in the building and good ventilation. Many homes here, built with or without code, are relatively hot boxes - which if you like to sweat is fine.

Our power rates are the highest in the nation so try to do your best to design and build with energy efficiency in mind. It will free up cash for more mai tais to sip in the shade of your lanai.