Anaha
Anaha is an extraordinary example of contemporary architectural place-making. The project begins the implementation of Ward Village, which is the largest LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) Platinum district in the country. Located in the vibrant Kaka’ako district of Oahu, the 40-story, 857,000-square-foot tower creates 311 condominium homes that will help transform the previously industrial and retail focused district into a 24-hour mixed use community.
Anaha means “reflection of light” in Hawaiian. The tower’s undulating form is inspired by the island’s artistic tradition of abstracting waves. Through a sequence of shifted and softly curved floor plates, the high-performance curtain-wall façade appears to be ever-changing in the light, like a wave shimmering in the sun. The truly radiused, high solar-performing, coated, insulated glass units enhance the effect.
The orientation of the tower’s long axis is placed ‘Mauka-Makai,’ or mountain to ocean, which preserves coastal views from inland vantage points. The tower is brought cleanly down to the street to mark the residential entrance. The podium’s retail and townhomes activate Kamakee Street. Retail spaces, geared toward local artisans, are arranged along a shaded pedestrian promenade that connects Auahi and Queen Streets and feature operable façades to connect directly and stimulate street life.
Perched 80 feet above Auahi Street, a glass-bottomed pool cantilevers 15 feet off the edge of the amenity deck, creating a memorable spectacle.
Between the tower and podium geometries, a tranquil water feature is framed by a verdant ‘living wall,’ which passes through the lobby façade, connecting outside and in.
