How does the design of the home impact how we live?

By: Ka`iulani K. Sodaro, AICP

Our homes, the most intimate of spaces in which we spend time, are more than places of sanctuary, retreat, and safety. They are spaces that reflect our values and priorities as individuals, families, and communities. A shared value and priority for us all is protecting the unique place we all call home – Hawai`i.

The New Hawaiian Home rises to this challenge: to move homeownership to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle thereby protecting the precious island environment we all share.

Through the design process, sustainable living can be translated into design elements that shape our behavior inside our homes as well as how we operate them.

For example, integrating the surrounding outdoor environment of the site with the home’s interior living spaces can create inviting gathering spaces. Providing for ample daylighting, increased natural ventilation and multiple access points to the yard creates a sense of openness and connectedness to our environment and neighbors. Further, “living outdoors” reduces the energy/electricity demands of “living indoors” by reducing the need for lighting and air-conditioning. Outside dining patio areas, open room views, and generous fenestration of rooms reinforce the connectedness of living beyond four walls.

In effort to reduce operating costs and the home’s energy load, the incorporation of Energy Star appliances, attic insulation and solar ventilation fans, solar hot water heating, and solar photovoltaic panels are all additional ways to design for a low energy impact home.

Lastly, a key sustainable design element is productive landscaping. Shade and fruit trees, raised and vertical garden beds, an aquaponic system, composting area, rainwater harvesting barrels, and plants with cultural use and value are all examples of living a sustainable lifestyle.

The New Hawaiian Home is striving to demonstrate that our homes can be places where we live responsibly and provide for a more sustainable future for our families, communities, and ultimately our Hawai`i.

Ka`iulani K. Sodaro, AICP
Sustainability Manager
Facilities Development & Support Division
Kamehameha Schools