Hawaiian Bungalows

[Kapohocat]

I like your design and appreciate that you are willing to spend the extra money to have your design rather than design to your plumbing needs.

[Blakeyboy1]

Do you mean because the Kitchen and Bathroom are in opposite corners? We considered this for sure but then again it is not a very big home so those runs are not that long. We have another plan with these next to each other but I don't like it as much.

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

[Kapohocat]

yes. So many people line it all up just to save a few bucks on the actual piping.

I like your design.

-Cat

[Blakeyboy1]

Thanks Cat I appreciate it.



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

[Kelena]

I've thought that when I come over, I want to come over with very little of my old life....a ukulele, my dogs, a pad, a pen, a piano. This design is in keeping with that minimalist notion but it takes it one step further than I would be comfortable with.

Perhaps it is because I am coming out of a 19-year relationship where 2,100 square feet and four bedrooms suddenly became too small, but for me having only one enclosable room might feel a little confining. I am so glad that you have the kind of relationship that allows you to be comfortable with a shared vision of such close proximity.

I love the daring of having a house that is basically open to the elements, but I can tell you that sometimes, even down by the ocean, you will want to close things off so bugs don't fly in. Basically, at around dusk, especially after a rain. I've looked into this, and you can get screens in very large sizes.(Google: garage door screens).

I don't think I personally would be very comfortable in this design. I find the Hawaii environment over-stimulating, and I am positive I would not be able to go to sleep in your living room. But then, I think my house is haunted (no one else does). Psychologically, I think I would need a wall and a door...and a boyfriend. Please be on the lookout for one for me.

This is a wonderfully individualistic design that may actually work for you guys, even if it may not be ideal for another family. It is beautiful, without a doubt. I love the indoor-outdoor feel and you have taken it to a new extreme. I love watching dreams come true, so keeps us posted. This is very exciting.

[Blakeyboy1]

Well written and honest comment Glen! Admittedly this is not a home for everyone and I am sure it would not be easy to sell but who knows. My fantasy growing up was bunking with the Skipper and Gilligan or perhaps the Professor in one of their huts so really this is a step up LOL. I like to think we would add additional "pods" over the years such as a guest bedroom and this may make it more attractive to future buyers... assuming we ever want to sell.

The suggestion to Google "garage door screens" was an awesome one! I found stuff at Secure-Screen.com that is perfect (and that was just my first click).

I'll be on the lookout for that boy, that door and that wall for ya buddy. :-)


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

[mella l]

OOPS lets hope these builders stay where they are.

http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2009/...ly-intact/

mella l

"New York London Paris Hilo"

[Blakeyboy1]

Oh my! It is hard to believe that kind of stuff happens! But look at Haiti. Tragic! Building codes do have a purpose. But we may have strayed a bit LOL. As long as we have strayed remember you can text Haiti to 90999 to donate $10 via your phone bill to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Haiti. Easy and important.

This has been a great discussion. I hope it continues. Please do read all of the comments on the blog about our home design too. You guys are all awesome!





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

[mella l]

Love those bungalows, and here is my idea of a grand open home and it should be doable with containers even!

http://www.mkd-arc.com/ http://www.mkd-arc.com/homes/mkbreeze/

Pick one any one they are all suitable for island living!

Sorry a drifty mind here.

mella l

State Motto________________ "baaaaahhhhh means no".

[mikewj]

mella I;

I had the opportunity to tour an MK design home in San Francisco. The designer made innovative use of common materials, such as corrugated steel roofing panels for siding, and extensive use of concrete for counter tops, etc. My immediate feeling was that the home I saw was very stark and sterile inside. All hard surface, quite a bit of bright metal exposed, with steel rod bracing inside highlighted as an architectural feature. Very Japanese minimalist in feeling. (Or, as you remarked, 'doable with containers')

The higher windows were fixed, non accessible to open for trade wind flow through. Since this type of home has mostly flat roofs with no overhang, they appear to be designed for areas of moderate to low rainfall. The windows are not shaded, so would be best in an area where passive solar heat is required. In Hawaii, probably only suitable for upland locations with temperate climate, not a lot of rain.

As to cost, the website says for a 'pre-manufactured' unit, $250 to $400 per square foot in the lower 48. Add extra for ocean freight and imported labor cost to build in Hawaii.

I went as an enthusiast, and was impressed by the use of space and the clean lines, but I believe that the design would be very difficult to implement in a sub tropical climate without the extensive use of air conditioning or a complete re-vamp of the roof system.

Bottom line, MK designs closed this operation recently, saying that in this financial climate the project was no longer sustainable.