Project posted by Diane Ito
Live inspired in this Japanese Musician's midcentury indoor/outdoor home asking $2.95 million
Snyder originally built the home for himself on a site that was in town, but still very rural at the time. Using the natural topography, he rotated the house to enjoy coastline views of the Oahu shoreline, from Maunalua Bay all the way to Koko Head.
A children's room holds a cozy bungalow for reading, a puppet show or other fun.
Each bedroom has large windows with mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean.
Snyder was ahead of his time in layout and aesthetics and known for the concept of indoor/outdoor living and the use of “green” practices.
This home truly brings in the elements and nature and allows you to feel breezy trade winds through the use of passive design (think natural ventilation).
Architecturally striking with large picture windows, you can see the calming blues of the Pacific Ocean from every room of the house.
The house was never painted: chemically treated and sealed rough cut lumber create a white washed look.
Snyder’s attention to detail and tribute to history and local culture shows in various parts of the home, such as the use of stepping stones from Oahu Sugar Mill, when rocks were chiseled by hand.
The home is a beautiful blend of “unfinished” and “refined”. A paradox of open and airy, yet private and intimate. Perfect for entertaining but also feels like a tucked away retreat.
Looking closely at various surfaces of the cinder block walls you’ll see a mottled look: fresh stucco was made with sand from Waimanalo mixed with concrete and water.
Large glass panels and exposed wood lead the eye to look at the home differently from every view.
One striking feature is the window cutouts that forego glass and screens, instead using tile from the roof to allow for airflow and an interesting aesthetic.
Bold lines frame an intimate indoor/outdoor courtyard and allow privacy while uniting the home with nature.
Current owner Ryuichi Sakamoto is a composer, musician, producer, and environmental activist; he has stood the test of time and continues to break new ground. Sakamoto’s devotion to environmental concerns – to turning ego into eco, as he puts it, fits with the feel of the home.
His project “more trees” www.more-trees.org/en... contributes to carbon offset through active forestation. “more trees” contributes to maintaining forests by planting seedlings and offering carbon offset credits to individuals and corporations looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
This shower creatively invites the outdoors in.
Clean lines and classic midcentury materials and finishings allow for an open floor plan that accommodates a variety of flexible living spaces.
Owner Ryuichi Sakamoto found inspiration in the naturally aging piano left behind by Sid Snyder, and specifically chose not to tune the piano.
This home will hold its value and is a dream home to a specific group that understands and appreciates the architect and his vision.
All photographs by Mariko Reed.
Maura Fujihira of Fishcake and Diane Ito are responsible for staging of the property that is now for sale through Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. To find out more, contact Diane Ito (R).
From Diane Ito
The captivating home of composer, artist, and activist Ryuichi Sakamoto is a wealth of inspiration. Originally designed for personal use by AIA award-winning architect Sid Snyder of Ossipoff/Snyder, this one-of-a-kind hillside villa has a unique history of housing creative and artistic souls – and it’s on the market in Honolulu for $2.95 million.
This residence in Hawaii’s Wailae Iki neighborhood was built in 1969 and sits on 14,323 square feet of land high above East Honolulu. The 2,996-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bath home has an open courtyard and a 197-square foot-lanai with ocean views throughout.