Category: architecture hawaii

building permit process

2007/09/25

I re-initiated the permitting process last Monday September 17th, 2007. My client and I were delayed a week due to an existing permit from the previous property owner that was not voided after 3 years of inactivity. A letter was required from the owner to the Building Department in Kona requesting to cancel the existing permit. Though this project is north of Kailua Kona, Hawaii. I submitted our plans to the Building Department, DP, in Hilo instead. DP Hilo was true to the reputation of being more efficient in reviewing plans. I walked away with an approval from both Engineering and Planning within an 1.5 hours, some of that time was waiting in line. The next step was the Department of Health, DOH. Since this project was under the DOH in Kona, the plans had to be routed to Kona. I was told that the process will take 5-10 days. Our plans left Hilo three days later. This Monday Dane from DOH in Kona called. He needed for us to cancel the existing approval on the existing septic system. Apparently, a waste water plan needs to accommodate the building plans in order to get a building permit. Makes sense , only that it was not mentioned in the required items for a building permit.

sato residence

2007/08/12

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Site Plan

In this 2400 SF house, each main component is separated from the other. The living, dining and kitchen are separated from the master bedroom by the lanai. The guest quarters are separated from the rest but is linked by a bridge over a koi pond. All are connected by a covered walkway. The house opens eastward to a future garden and fruit orchard with Mauna Kea, the highest peak on the Island of Hawaii, in the background.

The overall concept is to celebrate life in this very mild climate. Outdoor and indoor living is less apparent. The master bedroom has a roof under the main roof. This is a loose interpretation of how ancient Hawaiians lived outdoor and often slept under tree canopies. The house utilizes photovoltaic panels for a hybrid solar energy system. Passive lighting is achieved through wall width sliding glass doors and translucent wall panels. Cooling is achieved through cross ventilation. Grey water is recycled to use for flushing toilets and gardening. Water is a high commodity at this location, so rain water from roof runoff is collected to containment tank under the lanai. Once this is filled and excess water will overflow into the koi pond.

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An ofuro, Japanese bath, is located in a private garden in between buildings. The pattern of structure, outdoor space, and garden is repeated throughout.

fins architecture llc.