This Historic Mānoa Home is an Architect’s Masterpiece

Presented by Diane Ito (R) at Keller Williams Honolulu: A custom mid-century-modern dwelling that's both spacious and private.

April 1, 2016

Melissa Chang,

Presented by Diane Ito (R) at Keller Williams Honolulu

PHOTO: COURTESY OF DAVID L. MOORE

We often refer to homes as being in “move-in condition,” and this week’s open-house pick is so special, you won't want to make changes to anything. In fact, it’s so special that it may qualify for historic designation, according to the Documentation and Conservation of Buildings, Sites and Neighborhoods of the Modern Movement (DoCoMoMo International).

The 2,420-square-foot home was designed and built by AIA architect Stanley F. S. Wong in 1951, with a lot of thought for functionality. He even did a full analysis of the living environment. The house is situated away from the main road to give it more privacy and less noise, and makes it safe for pets or children.

Inside, Wong designed the home to have smooth traffic flow and spacious areas to prevent crowding, especially while entertaining, although he noted that, for day-to-day use, it works best for six people and their two dogs.

He designed a Mid-Century Modern “butterfly roof line,” which creates an outdoor courtyard connecting the two wings of living space: The main structure contains three bedrooms, one of which is a suite with its own living area and bathroom; the other structure has two bedrooms and a guest room.

You’ll find art created by masters like Bumpei Akaji and Tom Hirai, Wong’s friends who gathered at the home to talk story and play cards.

There is ample space for art (there was a ceramics kiln in a covered enclosure), and the lot is a generous 10,470 square feet, allowing for gardening or sports in the lush yard full of fruit trees and flowers.

This home will be open on Sunday, April 3, from 2 to 5 p.m. Click here for details. To see more of the house, visit 3306awoodlawn.info.

Happy house hunting!

Money talk: $1,395,000 fee simple
MLS# 201603620
Contact: Diane O. Ito (R), Keller Williams Honolulu, (808) 222-0978, diane@dianeito.com

Got an interesting real estate property you want to sell? Get it in front of HONOLULU Magazine readers in this “Presented By” spot each week. Contact Donna Kodama-Yee at 534-7501 or donnaky@honolulumagazine.com for more information.