Located beachfront on Oahu’s windward side, this architectural gem exemplifies the best in indoor/outdoor Hawaii living. Designed by Hawaii architect Mark Eyler collaborating with Jamie Jacksons Designs, the home is situated to capture the cool breezes and light while utilizing various textures and materials that capture the essence of this exquisite Kailua oceanfront location.

Exceptional finish details blend modern and natural design, with a well-considered open floor plan that is perfect for entertaining. The home’s Asian contemporary Hawaiian architecture is reflected in everything from the terrazzo floors and built-in teak wood cabinets to the teak doors and windows.

Incorporating the Hawaii Beach Climate

The design incorporates materials resistant to the beach climate such as natural stone and classic modern tile along with local hardwoods such as ohia posts and a formidable teak butcher block island countertop in the kitchen. The theme continues outside with sand on the exterior walls and a cedar shingle roof accented by copper gutters and other details.

The living environment extends to the well-appointed outdoor courtyard which offers a privacy and serenity amidst tropical landscaping including a natural stream, koi pond and waterfall. There is plenty of room for outdoor dining at a table that seats twelve, a charming area utilizing ohia wood, vines and a copper trellis providing dappled sunlight amidst the balmy tradewinds.

This is zen modern beach living at its best. Walk across the lawn to the beach to swim or relax on the sand and gaze over the blue Pacific and scenic offshore islets while listening to waves lapping gently at the shoreline as the clouds float by.

Nestled on the bluffs above Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore is a hidden gem representing some of Hawaii’s finest architecture and design. Blending Balinese and Asian elements with an elegant modern touch, this one-of-a-kind home achieves a unique contemporary international style – think five-star spa!

Designed by Hawaii architect Mark Eyler for surfing star Bruce Irons and his wife Mia, the home is currently occupied by another world famous surfer, Laird Hamilton and his family including model wife Gabby Reese.

The home is designed in three levels, and ideally situated on the property to take advantage of magnificent ocean and waterfall views while making the best use of the cooling tropical tradewinds that provide cross-ventilation throughout the home.

The Irons Residence features professional lighting design, custom cabinetry throughout and a gourmet kitchen and dining area as well as a large outdoor dining area and second kitchen. The exquisite master suite features a zen-like bathroom with soaking tub.

A variety of contemporary elements throughout the home have been blended with natural elements including wood and stone carvings, stone walls and various art and artifacts

A Tour – Downstairs

The home’s lofty entryway brings you into a spacious two-story foyer with stone walls from floor to ceiling. Merging with the foyer is the downstairs living room. Designed for comfort, gaming and recreation, this area opens onto an expansive lanai that overlooks a tropical green canopy. Continuing down the hallway brings you to the personal fitness room which also enjoys tropical jungle views.

Also downstairs is a large family bathroom featuring an oversized shower with four shower heads. This bathroom features floor-to-ceiling stone tile and a stand-alone tub that comes out of the rocks providing a zen spa-like atmosphere – a very modern and clean feeling that is accentuated by the floating cabinets.

The deep lanai on the lower level features an ipe-wood deck as well as an ipe ceiling. Also downstairs are two spacious bedrooms with high ceilings. One of these leads out to an ipe deck near the pool, also taking in tropical views.

Upstairs

Leading upstairs from the foyer is an exceptional staircase featuring large glass panels and a stainless steel stair railing that delights the eyes as it leads up to the second story. The stairs themselves are another attractive feature with the bottom of the tread matching the top providing a sawtooth floating wood effect, just one of this home’s many fine touches.

Upstairs is another spacious living room as well as the gourmet kitchen which offers a commanding view of Hanalei Bay and Kauai’s north shore mountains. The kitchen features wenge wood custom cabinetry with Sisal stone countertops and top Viking appliances.

Oversized pocketing sliding glass doors open to views of the blue Pacific from the huge ipe wood lanai which exemplifies the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living on Kauai’s balmy north shore. The upstairs lanai also features a stainless steel cable railing so the view is not inhibited. From the lanai a hidden staircase leads to the private roof viewing platform atop the home.

The spacious upstairs lanai also ties into a master bedroom suite in line with what you would find in a world-class hotel. The contemporary natural spa theme blends granite, lava stone and glass tiles to create an international ambiance. Huge walk-in closets add to the luxury feel.

The bedroom spills into the bath area so you can luxuriate in the oversized tub while watching the large flat-screen television. Black, etched basalt behind the white tub creates a contrasting feel complemented by glass tiles behind the wall creating a sense of ease and relaxation.

It’s apparent that the architecture and design pays great attention to detail from the site planning and architecture to exquisite finishing touches. A simple yet elegant sophistication in the design approach makes use of natural rough stone as well as modern features with great success.

Custom cabinetry and shelving throughout the home accentuates the natural, modern feel enhanced by custom lighting that creates the perfect ambiance in every room. Adjoining the home is a 3-car garage.

Outdoor Spa

An infinity edge pool and Balinese spa take in the serenity of the tropical surroundings with more ocean and mountain views. Adjacent to the pool and spa is an outdoor living, dining and kitchen terrace along with a contemporary Indonesian sitting pavilion and sunning deck. The steam room and indoor/outdoor modern Balinese bath have a treehouse feel, with the adjoining pool elevated above the green canopy.

Contemporary and Asian themes blend nicely in the spa area including stainless steel gourmet barbecue appliances with teak cabinetry, Sisal stone and authentic Balinese hand-carved stone screens. This area is uniquely the heart of the house with a sitting area, outdoor television and dining area.

Landscaping

Exotic tropical landscaping surrounds this one-of-a-kind home and makes use of a variety of natural materials including stone and wood carvings and statuary as well as stone and water features amidst the exotic palms.

A five-foot diameter stone pot holds flowering tropical water plants that create an inspiring tranquility as does the seven-foot tall Buddha-head sculpture that was hand-picked by the architect in Bali.

The roof is a Hawaiian split-pitch variation in the Dickey tradition but with staggered, stepped hips providing a modern tropical look with just a touch of the Asian style.

The architect has successfully blended contemporary tropical Asian themes with the modern Hawaiian plantation style allowing the home to merge seamlessly with its surroundings on a verdant ridge overlooking the azure waters of Hanalei Bay and taking in grand views of the verdant mountains.

This natural synergy carries to the home’s interior where the materials are kept natural and simple yet with luxurious fittings and finishes. The result is an authentic sophistication and thoughtfulness, a contemporary international style with a tropical modern touch.

See more fine homes designed by Hawaii architect Mark Eyler: http://www.architectskauai.com/projects.html