Bungalow on Hawaii: How They Restored an Old Cottage

The bohemian town of Paiia on the north side of Maui is a paradise for surfers and kitesurfers.

George Hensler from California moved to the island with his wife Angela when the couple stepped away from the fashion industry.

George had been spending weeks at the coast, changing rented accommodations. And finally he found a unique wooden house: among lush vegetation, literally at the water's edge.

George Hensler: "People can say that I always follow the wind."
Updating the bungalow with its relaxed Hawaiian charm required solutions that consider the natural beauty of the location and the lifestyle of the owners. Simply and organically.

For the capital renovation of a single-story house, they invited a team from Los Angeles led by Roberto Sosa, an architect and interior designer.

He literally became inspired by George's ideas, and soon the building plan was completely reworked, and the abandoned plantation turned into an oasis for modern travelers. Traditional island architecture appeared in all its splendor.

A sofa for the living room on the open air was designed specifically and harmonizes with the angular wooden chairs by Pierre Jeanneret.

In a creative tandem, the owner and architect chose authentic Hawaiian ohi'a wood as the material.

They decided to keep the exterior finish but repaint the siding in dark green instead of light, as was done before according to local traditions.

They came up with sliding doors in the color of redwood to let more light into the house and often admire the surroundings: it's worth it.

And even designed some interior items in the style of iconic French designers from the middle of the last century. It was during this time, according to the owner, that his inner persona took root.

They updated the dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors opening up a luxurious view. On Maui, it's always slightly above or below 27 degrees Celsius, so stay outdoors for a full day or more. Every day.

Step and the open veranda around the entire house is just a hand's reach from the ocean.

New spaces on it are organized so that most daily life takes place outdoors among coconut palms, alibis, and bougainvilleas.

Breakfast can be had outdoors right at the doorstep: the chairs here are like in a classic Parisian bistro.

The architect proposed simple but well-thought-out solutions to fill the rooms with the breath of the ocean. Part of the veranda opening into the garden is glazed: it's a good place to read or dream sweetly in silence before entering inside.

The interior of the house is flooded with light: the effect is supported by open ceiling beams and new wooden wall finishes in warm white tones.

The spacious kitchen is designed minimally: more is less. Matte spherical lights, open shelves for utensils, light cabinets (with a built-in spacious refrigerator, by the way), and household appliances balanced with the same white tones emphasize accents: copper, black rustic metal hardware, steel, unprocessed wood, vintage glass with ceramics.

A modern note in a traditional interior – poured concrete countertops. The window above the sink is sliding.

Due to high ceilings in both the living room and bedrooms, there's plenty of fresh air. Horizontal siding, just like on the veranda, is a refrain, a tribute to local traditions.

Double sliding doors to the owners' bedroom are closed from inside with white curtains that glide on a track: additional privacy if needed.

Vintage elements on wooden furniture, paintings (some created by the surfer and artist Pete Cabrini), and stunning black sconces help bring life to the strict horizontal lines in wall finishes.

The architect added textured details to the strict bedroom: a woven headboard made from seaweed and bamboo blinds won't let you forget that you're on an island in the tropics. In the master bedroom, the accent color is a cool turquoise; in the guest bedroom – warm red notes and fuchsia.

Textiles are thoughtfully chosen: restraint, tactility, graphic elements or local accents that don’t disrupt the overall light palette.

In the guest bedroom, built-in shelves also serve as bedside tables.

Wide window sills in both bedrooms are designed as additional rest areas.

Light, airy bathrooms create a resort-like atmosphere: built-in niches for bath towels, brass faucets, and an original soap-on-a-rope (soap on a rope) in the shape of a tropical fish.

The sink in the marble countertop was specially ordered for this project.

Steel hinged windows got a second life: they function as doors and partitions in shower cabins. One bathroom has large tiles with a geometric pattern, while another is decorated with small hexagonal tiles laid in rows.

The architect managed to synchronize internal and external spaces so that the gaze easily transitions from ocean views to the home decor.

Green dominates the exterior: fences created by nature from heliconia and lilies, or an open shower under the shade of trees. The patina on the copper mixer that harmonizes with the greenish-brown lattice walls appeared literally within a day under the salty breeze: this is Hawaii, baby.

Even a modest corner can be your favorite. Tropical greenery from the former plantation allows you to feel completely secluded, contemplating the stunning landscapes of Maui.