Makena House by Olson Kundig

Makena House by Olson Kundig

Built to Last.

CSI Architectural Metal

Scope of Work

CSI Architectural Metal served as the architectural metal design-assist partner, engineering consultant, fabricator, supplier, and technical advisor for the complete architectural roofing system.

Working closely with James Colt and Colt Construction, CSI participated throughout the design-build process, collaborating directly with Olson Kundig to transform one of the firm’s signature residential designs into a fully engineered and constructible architectural metal roofing system.

CSI’s involvement extended well beyond fabrication and included:

• Architectural design assist
• Roofing system engineering
• Constructability review
• Shop drawings
• Precision fabrication
• Technical detailing
• Coordination with the architect and general contractor
• Jobsite visits during construction
• Hands-on installer training with Dave Fonseca Roofing
• Field support throughout installation

This residence represents one of six custom luxury residences completed in partnership with Colt Construction over approximately twelve years on Maui. Throughout those projects, CSI worked closely with James Colt and Dave Fonseca Roofing, building a trusted relationship centered on craftsmanship, collaboration, and solving complex architectural challenges.

Roofing System

System

CSI-LG™ Reveal Roof Panel System

The roof utilizes CSI’s proprietary Reveal Roof Panel System, engineered specifically for high-end custom residential architecture requiring exceptionally clean lines, concealed fastening, and outstanding long-term performance in demanding coastal environments.

Material

26 Gauge Type 316 Stainless Steel

Finish

Custom PVDF Architectural Coating

Weathered Cor-Ten® Appearance

Rather than using conventional weathering steel, CSI developed a custom PVDF finish that faithfully reproduces the appearance of naturally weathered Cor-Ten steel while eliminating its well-known disadvantages.

Advantages

• Appearance of naturally weathered Cor-Ten steel
• No rust runoff
• No staining of adjacent stone, concrete, glass, or landscaping
• Uniform architectural appearance
• No uneven or unpredictable patina development
• Superior UV resistance
• Outstanding marine corrosion resistance
• Exceptional long-term durability
• Virtually maintenance-free
• Long-term color consistency

Traditional weathering steel continues to oxidize throughout its life, often developing inconsistent coloration while staining surrounding architectural finishes. CSI’s custom PVDF finish delivers the same warm architectural character while maintaining a stable, uniform appearance for decades.

Combined with Type 316 stainless steel, the roofing system provides exceptional durability in Maui’s harsh salt-air environment while preserving Olson Kundig’s architectural vision.

Design Collaboration

The Swette Residence required extensive collaboration between Olson Kundig, Colt Construction, Dave Fonseca Roofing, and CSI Architectural Metal.

From the earliest stages of design development, CSI worked alongside the project team to refine roof geometry, transitions, fabrication methods, waterproofing details, and installation sequencing.

The residence incorporates:

• Multiple interconnected roof planes
• Long connecting roof sections
• Knife-edge roof terminations
• Concealed drainage systems
• Custom steel transitions
• Deep cantilevered roof overhangs
• Integrated soffit and fascia assemblies
• Complex waterproofing interfaces
• Coordination with exposed structural steel

Every detail was engineered to preserve the clean, minimalist architectural language for which Olson Kundig is internationally recognized.

Construction Partnership

The Swette Residence represents another successful collaboration between CSI Architectural Metal, Colt Construction, and Dave Fonseca Roofing.

Over the past twelve years, CSI has partnered with James Colt on six custom residences throughout Maui. Dave Fonseca and his team have consistently delivered outstanding craftsmanship, professionalism, and attention to detail, making them one of Maui’s premier architectural roofing contractors.

CSI personnel worked directly with Dave Fonseca Roofing through jobsite visits, technical coordination, and hands-on installer training to ensure the CSI-LG™ Reveal Roof Panel System was installed exactly as engineered.

This collaborative approach has become a hallmark of CSI’s work in Hawaii and has contributed to the successful execution of some of Maui’s finest custom residences.

Architectural Design

Designed by internationally acclaimed Olson Kundig, the Swette Residence reflects the firm’s philosophy of creating architecture that responds directly to its environment.

Situated in Makena overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the residence combines exposed structural steel, expansive glazing, warm natural materials, and carefully proportioned roof forms to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

The approximately 6,655-square-foot custom residence is organized around courtyards, outdoor gathering spaces, bridges, and dramatic ocean views, supported by a two-story structural steel frame with wood framing infill. 

CSI Contribution

CSI Architectural Metal’s role extended far beyond manufacturing roof panels.

By combining design assist, engineering, fabrication, field consultation, installer training, and ongoing technical support, CSI became an integral member of the project team from concept through completion.

Working alongside James Colt Construction and Dave Fonseca Roofing, CSI helped transform Olson Kundig’s sophisticated roof design into a high-performance architectural roofing system engineered specifically for Maui’s coastal environment.

The completed roofing system demonstrates how advanced stainless steel technology, proprietary architectural finishes, precision fabrication, and collaborative design-build execution can produce a roof that is visually striking while engineered to withstand one of the world’s most demanding marine climates.