Going Up? This home sits at about 50 feet above the street, which is a 54-stair climb from the driveway. The homeowners happily got in extra exercise each time they came home, but “three years later, it starts to get old,” says homeowner Gary Wiegand, “so we decided to build an elevator.” Who better to enlist for the job than architect Karl Mench? Though the elevator was not part of the original plan, he made it blend right in (above-right).

The lady of the house, Cathrine, stayed involved throughout the design of the kitchen. “She worked and collaborated with Hanan Katz, of Layout Etc. Inc., for all the custom cabinetry,” says Wiegand. They carried the custom cabinets throughout the home in the living room, bathrooms and downstairs.

Five years ago, the Wiegands had what they thought would be their forever home in Kailua. Then, a Lanikai home went up for sale.

With an exceptional location and stunning views, Gary Wiegand knew flipping this home would turn a profit. After interviewing a short list of builders, he chose design/build architect Karl Mench, of Concept 2 Completion, to revamp the space for a quick resale. 

But a swift flip wasn’t in the cards. Termite rot forced them to tear most of the structure down, leaving just the foundation. “What a surprise. You’re expecting to renovate and then you’re budgeting and you have to tear it all down and start again,” says Wiegand.
But even this setback didn’t deter them. Wiegand and Mench put their heads together and decided to go for it. “We can do this. Let’s build a dream house,” says Wiegand. Little did he know, the place would soon grow on him enough to make him want to stay forever.

The team built with longevity in mind. “You start out and you decide you’re going to build quality, so it will last with the elements, and that forces certain decisions,” says Wiegand. “You’re not going to put a cheap piece of something next to marble and mahogany.”

As the project progressed, Wiegand found himself visiting the home more often. “Happy carpenters make straight walls, so you come down and bring the boys a beer and thank them for a great day’s work,” he says. The pau hana became a daily ritual, and soon Wiegand didn’t want to leave. “I didn’t want to just come visit for afternoon beers. I wanted to stay for dinner and the wine party,” he says, “and I wouldn’t mind waking up in that bedroom that looks out to the Mokuluas, either.”

The view of the Mokuluas and the gorgeous stretch of ocean beyond remained the main focuses of the remodel, and Mench built with that in mind, along with entertaining and exterior living. “It isn’t a home designed to be closed up,” Mench says. “The first thing you do in the morning is open the large sliding doors and bring the ocean views and garden spaces into your living experience.”

Wiegand soon found himself in a place he couldn’t bear to leave. Next thing he knew, he and his wife, Cathrine Bilberg, were moving in, and they haven’t looked back. “I come home, go on the deck and look out, and I feel like I’m on vacation,” Wiegand says.

SEEING BLUE Designer Jennifer Johnson, of Pacific Home, recognized the dominance of the ocean’s turquoise color, visible from multiple points in the home. She brought the color inside, using sophisticated, yet comfortable, furniture and accessories. “I wanted to achieve a casual, beach-living style,” she says. Pacific Home's products fit in perfectly with the home's relaxed, yet chic, vibe. (Products numbered 1 through 20 are available for purchase at Pacific Home.)

Numbers 1-9 in picture above:
1. Mia Nesting Tables, $775
2. Marais Lamp, $570
3. Surf 24" Pillow, $95
4. Charlotte Sectional, $4,145
5. Antique Round Coffee Table, $895
6. Miles Duckegg Rug, $345
7. Robin 24" Pillow, $95
8. Lulu Arm Chair, $1,603
9. Antique Drum Vase $295

10. Tango 2-Seater with Cushion, $3,858
11. Tango Oval Cocktail Table, $ 1,265
12. Tango Recliner, $2,300

13. G & P 24" Twig Pillow, $160
14. Leaf Chaise, $4,191
15. Leaf Side Table, $804

A HIGHER VIEW Two spacious lanai soar above a newly refreshed courtyard and overlook expansive views of Lanikai beach and the Mokuluas.

16. Laszlo Bar Stool, $977
17. Laszlo Bar Table, $1,674

Johnson chose a teak table to match the home's beachy atmosphere. "It looks like driftwood, like you're at the beach," she says. The dishware on top incorporates earthy, warm tones, to reflect the warm woods throughout the home.

18. James Dining Chair (in Natural Linen), $365 each
19. Heath Ceramics, $25 to $150
20. Bonafacio 83" Dining Table, $2,150