Background
The local residential market has few opportunities for workforce housing. The developer's goal is to provide quality affordable housing to the "gap group" which can't afford units in a predominantly luxury market and does not qualify for government subsidized developments. This new condominium building features 17 floors with 269 residential units. Total residential floor area covers approximately 249,000 square feet. An accompanying stand-alone parking structure measuring approximately 144,000 square feet contains 514 stalls.

Advanced Technology
The project team, inspired by the developer's vision, worked towards the goal of creating an affordable building without sacrificing quality. With this goal in mind, the team did not limit itself to only the established local construction methods. The tunnel form construction method, not commonly used in Hawaii, was added to the structural systems for consideration. The project team, using multi-discipline consultants and subcontractors, travelled to tunnel form construction sites throughout the United States to evaluate suitability and plan for implementation.

Client Benefits
The incorporation of tunnel form construction provided the desired combination of quality and cost-effectiveness. This construction method is also proven to reduce the overall construction schedule, potentially reducing the carrying cost of a project as well. From a functional standpoint, the finished product incorporates solid durable concrete walls between units and also between bedrooms and living spaces within a unit. The occupants of these units benefit from the superior reduction in inter-room sound transmission as a result of the concrete construction.