Brand New Home for Makiki Couple

Graham Builders designs, builds a quieter and more energy-efficient house

This is the third article of a three-part series.

For the past few weeks, we have been sharing the story of a Makiki couple’s experience in building a new house with Graham Builders. We are happy to report that construction is now complete and the homeowners will be moving into their brand new, quieter and energy-efficient home soon.

“One thing that really stands out about the new house is that it’s so bright inside during the day,” said Evan Fujimoto, Graham Builders president. “The frosted glass clerestory windows flood the interior with a soft glow, and the homeowners won’t have to turn on any lights in the main living and dining rooms or kitchen area during the day.”

The house is also very quiet because of insulation and special sound-reflective windows. Since the house is situated less than 50 feet downwind of the H-1 freeway, the homeowners were keen on making their new home as quiet as possible. Insulation in the walls and ceilings, Quiet Rock drywall in the master bedroom, and an attractive CMU or hollow tile wall facing the freeway (to reduce sound penetration) make the interiors quiet and peaceful.

Another concern was incorporating renewable materials into the house. Working closely with Graham Builders’ design team, the homeowners opted for sustainable materials such as Mohawk SmartStrand carpet made with Dupont Sorona, a bio-based renewable polymer of which 37 percent is derived from corn sugar. Stained concrete floors were also specified for both bathrooms and the laundry room. Concrete can also be stamped to look like stone or tile, or polished smooth and stained to virtually any color, increasing its aesthetic versatility.

The front of the home is very attractive without garrulously calling attention to itself. The green and gray colors allow the house to blend in nicely with the neighbor’s trees on the left. The entry is wide open and welcoming, and when the front doors are open, one has a full view of the community park across the street, even if standing in the kitchen.

“We really feel that the home represents us and our needs,” said the homeowners. “Our home represents a solution to all of our needs — energy efficiency, developed with green sustainable materials and provides an opportunity for large family get-togethers as well as intimate living.

“Getting the design right is really where Graham Builders excels. Our home speaks for itself. We would recommend Graham Builders to our friends and family,” they continued.

For more than 20 years Hawaii’s premier design + build firm has worked with homeowners to design and build or renovate their dream homes. Homeowners interested in learning more can attend Graham Builders’ upcoming “Building Your Home for Life” seminar on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Honolulu Country Club. Seminars are free, but reservations are required. For a full schedule of 2012 monthly seminars or to register, visit www.grahambuilders.com or call 593-2808.

ADDRESS: 1144 YOUNG ST.
CONTACT: 593-2808
WEBSITE: www.grahambuilders.com