Luxury Home Magazine

H awaii’s homes are as diverse as its residents. People come from all over the world to enjoy this paradise. But the type of home they choose will depend on their lifestyle. Some people value convenience, while others want modern architecture, and others flock to ocean views. But what if you could have all that and more? You can, with high-rise living. In addition to their ideal locations (oceanfront or ocean view), high-rise condominium buildings allow you to spend time on the beach instead of toiling over a yard. The low-maintenance lifestyle is perfect for the part-time resident or business person who prefers to stay busy with family, events, and watersports instead of housework. Hotel-style condominiums (condotels) offer all the luxuries of a vacation resort with the security of ownership. Ideal for a resident who desires the vacation feeling, minimum upkeep, or travels frequently, these condos continue to be built and lure part-time residents to these booming hot spots. Although there are plenty of smaller older condo buildings, new luxury high-rise communities are always in development with the latest and greatest innovations. New construction is in demand for more reasons than a growing population. Although there is something to be said for the charm of older homes, new luxury condos can be built to perfect modern specifications. With changing building codes, innovations in sustainable materials, and increasingly efficient systems, a newly constructed building allows for all of these beneficial amenities without the arduous remodel. The same is true for green standards. Whether new buildings are LEED certified or simply a little more eco-friendly, new construction has the ability to pioneer and encourage green practices for the future and make a luxury home more affordable to operate. Most importantly, the best in new condo construction insures that buyers can confidently purchase a unit as-is and won’t have to deal with the hassles of a “fixer-upper” for a vacation home or primary residence. Although there are spacious penthouses, most condos have a relatively small footprint, and must make the best use of space. High-rise homes must include plenty of storage, and an open layout so it doesn’t feel compartmentalized. Many condos also feature floor-to-ceiling windows to make the rooms feel larger, and to allow for uninterrupted views of the ocean, mountains, or cityscape—the ultimate in luxury living. By Maresa Giovannini HIGH-RISE LIVING 49