Design your life to include more money, health and happiness with less stuff, space and energy.

Design your life to include more money, health and happiness with less stuff, space and energy.

LifeEdited Maui

LifeEdited:Maui is a model for how we can innovate to live in the future. It allows a family to live a big, happy, modern, convenient off-grid life in a 1,000 square foot home that functions like one twice its size. You may have already seen it in the New York Times and you’ll soon see it on TV. Some key details:

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LifeEdited began in 2010 when Graham Hill, founder of popular eco website TreeHugger, crowdsourced his 420 sft New York City apartment. Named LifeEdited 1, it demonstrates the “less but better” lifestyle by creating a beautiful apartment with the functionality of a much larger space – seats 12 for dinner, has proper sleeping quarters for 2 guests, a great home office, a home theater, and is extremely energy efficient. With its own TED talk, three NYT features and coverage by most major media outlets, it has become one of the most widely published apartments in the world. The follow-on project, LifeEdited 2, has similar functionality, in an even smaller 350sft space. You may have seen it on the cover of Dwell or on Dream Big Live Small.

Would you like a home or apartment like this? If so, read more about our design consulting service. Would you like an apartment building like this? If so, read more about our services for real estate developers and consultants. And if you are interested in renting or owning this specific home or the LE2 apartment in NYC, please contact us.

Please click on a thumbnail to see a slideshow. Bloggers and journalists are free to download the web resolution photos or the high resolution photos. It isn’t mandatory but it is much appreciated if you can credit Shawn Hanna for the photography. 

  • View from above, west Maui mountains in the distance. Note how you can't even see the 10KW of thin Sunflare panels covering the large roof!
  • View from above, west Maui mountains in the distance. Note how you can't even see the 10KW of thin Sunflare panels covering the large roof!
  • Main roof highlighting the practically invisible 10KW of thin Sun2 Sunflare panels that are simply stuck to the roof using industrial strength sticky-back tape. Total cost including standing seam metal roof was approximately $28,000. In background is Acer/Pioneer water catchment tank which also features a beautiful fabric roof that collects its own water.
  • Solar energy system including Blue Ion 2.0 batteries and Outback 8048A inverters.
  • Solar energy system. The nerd center in the garage which features 48KWH of the incredible, long-lasting, safe Blue Ion 2.0 batteries. These are connected to Outback charge controllers and inverters. The whole system is fed from 10KW of thin-film Sunflare panels mounted on the roof. Also showing the two Magnum electric bikes and the polished concrete floors done by Raymond, a Maui local.
  • View to the west, Andersen MultiGlide sliding glass door system, Andersen 100 series windows & doors. Note the blue glow of the 48KWH of Blue Ion 2.0 batteries in the garage.
  • View to the west, electrified 1973 VW Thing, Andersen MultiGlide sliding glass door system, Andersen 100 series windows & doors. Note the blue glow of the 48KWH of Blue Ion 2.0 batteries in the garage.
  • Electrified 73' VW Thing in front of LifeEdited:Maui as the sun goes down. Peanut groundcover and Papaya trees by Evan Ryan at Pono Grown. Cantilevered stairs by Hawaii Off-Grid. Windows by Andersen.
  • 73' VW Thing converted to electric with the help of David Sellers at Hawaii Off-Grid. It has 32KWH of recycled Tesla batteries. Conversion kit by EV West. Body and paint by Shelton's Auto Masters. Can also feed back into the house in case of low power due to lack of sun for a long period.
  • 73' VW Thing converted to electric with the help of David Sellers at Hawaii Off-Grid. It has 32KWH of recycled Tesla batteries. Conversion kit by EV West. Body and paint by Shelton's Auto Masters. Can also feed back into the house in case of low power due to lack of sun for a long period.
  • 73' VW Thing converted to electric with the help of David Sellers at Hawaii Off-Grid. It has 32KWH of recycled Tesla batteries. Conversion kit by EV West. Body and paint by Shelton's Auto Masters. Can also feed back into the house in case of low power due to lack of sun for a long period.
  • View to the west, Andersen 100 series windows & doors, peanut groundcover and Papaya trees by Evan Ryan at Pono Grown.
  • Cantilevered stairs by Hawaii Off-Grid connecting the garage level to the living level. They have since had a railing added similar to above. The retaining wall is a shutter wall where treated 4x12s are slotted into I-beams pile-driven into the ground. Grass pavers cover this lower area to allow parking but help water penetration and keep green.
  • Rear view of house showing rain chain that collects water in basin and sends to Acer/Pioneer water tanks. Outdoor bathing room features KOHLER Abrazo soaking tub and overhead rain shower. Cedar window trim around Andersen 100 series windows (made of recycled materials). Standing seam metal roof has Sunflare solar panels hidden between the seams.
  • Rear view of house showing rain chain the collects water in basin and sends to Acer/Pioneer water tanks. Outdoor bathing room features KOHLER soaking tub and overhead rain shower. Cedar window trim around Andersen windows (made of recycled materials). Standing seam metal roof has Sunflare solar panels hidden between the seams.
  • Outdoor KOHLER shower- Purist showerhead & Stillness valve trim on the west side of the garage level. Shutter wall with treated 4x12s slotted into pile-driven I-beams. Grasscrete pavers from Home Depot filled with black river rock and set over a simple drain. The high quality and nice looking Acer/Pioneer water tank is in the background. Its roof is unique in that it captures its own water. The rain chain directs water to the catchment system.
  • From above and looking to the west. Note the ipe deck on the back and the covered lanai that functions as living, dining and media room.
  • LifeEdited Maui floor plan
  • KOHLER Abrazo freestanding bath, KOHLER Purist bath filler & handshower, Ann Sacks Savoy Mosaic tile, Andersen 100 series windows.
  • KOHLER Verdera medicine cabinet, KOHLER Purist faucet, Ikea sink, Separett composting waterless toilet, Ann Sacks Savoy Mosaic tile, Boll& Branch organic towels, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set and ply/Richlite vanity by Mike Gagne.
  • KOHLER Abrazo freestanding bath, KOHLER stillness valve trim, Ann Sacks Savoy tile and Richlite sill. Greenery by Beth Elliott.
  • Bedroom featuring the Resource Furniture Ulisse Desk Wall Bed and Andersen 100 series windows The queen sized bed simply folds out of the wall while the desk automatically folds underneath it. Modern Fan Cirrus Flush fan, rug by Yu-Yu. Baskets from Modecorarts. Soma water bottle. Raquel Zimmermann (RZ) ceramics. View of gulch. Window seats quickly made with Sean Sliger with materials from Fabric Mart and Home Depot. Engineered bamboo floors by Cali Bamboo.
  • Bedroom with Resource Furniture Ulisse Wall Bed Desk, ply cabinetry by Mike Gagne, ceramics by Raquel Zimmermann (RZ), flowers by Beth Elliott and pillows by Oliver Yaphe.
  • View of the west Maui mountains. Lahaina is on the other side.
  • Master bedroom with Cali Bamboo flooring, Andersen 100 series windows, eco-foam mattress by Tuft & Needle, organic bedding by Boll & Branch, blue backpack by Freitag, ceramics by Raquel Zimmermann (RZ), basket by Modecoarts and red runner from MauiHands.
  • Bedroom with Resource Furniture Ulisse Wall Bed Dining Table, Cali Bamboo flooring, Modern Fan Cirrus Flush fan, Andersen 100 series windows, Plumen 003 dimmable LED pendant, Oliver Yaphe pillows, Modecorarts baskets, Raquel Zimmermann (RZ) ceramics, napkins by Melissa Bruck and made from Home Depot drop-cloths. Trivets from Michele Varian. Glasses by Velux. Runner from Maui Hands.
  • Bedroom with Cali Bamboo flooring, Andersen 100 series windows, custom window seat by Mike Gagne. Acer water tank. Oliver Yaphe pillows.
  • Bedroom with Resource Furniture Ulisse Wall Bed Dining Table, Cali Bamboo flooring, Andersen 100 series windows, custom window seat, Oliver Yaphe pillows, Modecorarts baskets, Raquel Zimmermann (RZ) ceramics, napkins by Melissa Bruck and made from Home Depot drop-cloths. Trivets from Michele Varian. Glasses by Velux. Runner from Maui Hands.
  • Bedroom with Resource Furniture Kali Duo Bunk Bed Sofa, Cali Bamboo flooring, Yu-Yu jute rug, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set, Modern Fan Cirrus Flush fan, Andersen 100 series windows, custom peg board wall system built by Sean Sliger.
  • Bedroom with Andersen 100 series window, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set, view of lower Acer water tank with water collecting roof, custom peg board wall system with shelves made of Richlite built by Sean Sliger, glasses by Velux, headphones by Freitag and Meural digital canvas.
  • Custom peg board wall system with shelves made of Richlite, candle from Michele Varian and antique folding chair bought from NailedTogether on Etsy.
  • Bedroom with Resource Furniture Ulisse Wall Bed Dining Table, Cali Bamboo flooring, Plumen lighting, Modern Fan Cirrus Flush fan, Andersen 100 series windows, custom window seat, baskets by Modecorarts, Oliver Yaphe pillows, NailedTogether antique folding chair, flowers by Beth Elliott, door hardware by Emtek.
  • Bedroom with Resource Furniture Ulisse Desk Wall Bed, Cali Bamboo flooring, Yu-Yu jute rug, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendanet Set, Modern Fan Cirrus Flush fan, Andersen 100 series windows, organic bedding by Boll & Branch, custom window seat with Oliver Yaphe pillows and ply cabinetry by Mike Gagne.
  • Outdoor bath with KOHLER Abrazo freestanding bath, KOHLER Stillness valve trim, Ann Sacks Savoy Mosaic tile, Andersen 100 series door, sill made of Richlite, Rich Brilliant Willing Crisp wall sconces, Boll & Branch organic towels and board and batten siding.
  • Master bedroom with Andersen 100 series windows, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set, Rich Brilliant Willing Seed ceiling sconce, Modern Fan Cirrus Flush fan and really comfortable Tuft & Needle eco-foam mattress. View of the gulch.
  • Bedroom with Kali Duo Bunk Bed Sofa, Boll & Branch organic bedding, Cali Bamboo flooring, Andersen 100 series windows, Meural Winslow digital canvas, custom peg board wall system with Richlite shelving built by Sean Sliger and Plumen 003 dimmable LED pendant light.
  • Resource Furniture Kali Duo Bunk Bed Sofa, Andersen 100 series windows, Boll & Branch organic bedding, Modern Fan Cirrus Flush fan, Cali Bamboo flooring, Graham Hill, Yu-Yu jute rug, flowers by Beth Elliott.
  • Bedroom with Resource Furniture Ulisse Wall Bed Table, Cali Bamboo flooring, Graham Hill. Table folds out of the way automatically as you lower the queen-sized bed. Pillows by Oliver Yaphe.
  • Main hallway, Cali Bamboo flooring, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set, runner made from offcuts by Oliver Yaphe, Emtek door hardware, Airlite zero VOC paint and ply/Richlite cabinetry by Mike Gagne.
  • Resource Furniture Flex Sofa, Bento Build Lattice Kitchen System, Rich Brilliant Willing Monocle sconce, Insteon dimmer, Smeg espresso maker, countertops made of Richlite, tile floor by Ann Sacks, engineered bamboo floor by Cali Bamboo and Plumen LED 003 lights in background.
  • Main hallway, Cali Bamboo engineered floating bamboo flooring, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set, Nest smoke alarm, Kohler soaking tub and ply/Richlite cabinetry by Mike Gagne.
  • Front door with Resource Furniture Piano multi-purpose rack, KOHLER Triton faucet used as a footwash, August Doorbell Cam Pro, Rich Brilliant Willing Crisp (copper) lighting, ipe deck, Reed Wilson Design welcome matt and cedar window trim.
  • Kitchen and lanai with Smeg induction cooktop, AllClad pots and pands, Smeg espresso maker, island with countertop made of Richlite, Simple Human garbage and recycling center, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set, Modern Fan IC/Air3 ceiling fans in white and black, Vanatoo Transparent Zero speakers, Andersen MultiGlide sliding door system, Andersen 100 series window, Resource Furniture Flex sofas, Resource Furniture Passo transforming coffee tables, Rich Brilliant Willing Seed lights and Ann Sacks herringbone tile floors.
  • Kitchen with countertops made of Richlite, Bento Build Lattice kitchen cabinet system, Smeg appliances, KOHLER Purist faucet, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set, Modern Fan IC/Air3 fan, Andersen 100 series windows, Ann Sacks herringbone tile floor, Cali Bamboo engineered bamboo floor and Emtek door hardware.
  • Kitchen with countertops made from Richlite, Bento Build Lattice kitchen cabinet system, Resource Furniture Flex sofa, Rich Brilliant Willing Monocle sconces, Stelton knives, Andersen 100 series window, Vanatoo Transparent Zero speakers, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set and Ann Sacks herringbone tile floor.
  • Lanai & garage with Resource Furniture Flex sofas, Modern Fan IC/Air3 fan, Rich Brilliant Willing Crisp (copper) lighting and electrified 1973 VW Thing by Hawaii Off-Grid, Graham Hill with Kazuma surfboard.
  • The outdoor life. Covered lanai allows for a large outdoor living, dining and media-viewing area. Here we see an antique folding chair bought from NailedTogether on Etsy tucked into an amazing transforming coffee table by Resource Furniture. Glasses are by Velux. They nest and can be used for everything from wine to coffee. Napkins were made by Melissa Bruck from Home Depot drop-cloths. The runner is from MagicLinen on Etsy.
  • Kitchen and lanai with Resource Furniture Passo transforming coffee table, Resource Furniture Flex sofa, Andersen MultiGlide sliding door system, island with countertop made of Richlite, Bento Build Lattice kitchen cabinet system, Modern Fan IC/Air3 fan, Plumen 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set, Smeg appliances, All-Clad cookware, Rich Brilliant Willing Seed light and Ann Sacks herringbone tile floor.
  • Kitchen with KOHLER Purist faucet, Bento Build Lattice kitchen cabinet system, countertop made of Richlite. Richlite is made from recycled and FSC paper. It's color goes all the way through and therefore can be sanded.
  • Smeg cooktop, Smeg espresso machine, All-Clad cookware, Stelton knives & magnetic mount, countertop made of Richlite (paper product!). The Smeg cooktop is induction..it's energy efficient, cleans extremely easily and heats up in a flash. The Allclad pots and pans not only nest well together, they also feature 3 flat lids that store in no space at all and due to their flatness, can be used on more than one pot each.
  • Lanai with Resource Furniture Flex sofas, Resource Furniture Passo transforming coffee tables, Modern Fan IC/Air3 fan, Rich Brilliant Willing Seed lights, Raquel Zimmermann (RZ) ceramics, Oliver Yaphe pillows made from offcuts and Ann Sacks herringbone tile floor. Galvanized steel structure by Hawaii Off-Grid and cedar T&G installed by our G.C. Massimo Pandolfi.
  • Looking up at the lanai, Modern Fan IC/Air3 fans, Rich Brilliant Willing Seed lights, steel structure and railing by Hawaii Off-Grid. Cedar T&G, board and batten installed by Massimo Pandolfi
  • Lanai with Resource Furniture Flex sofa, Resource Furniture Passo transforming coffee tables, pony wall top made of black Richlite and topped with an Ipe/stainless railing installed by Hawaii Offgrid. Glasses are by Velux. They nest and can be used for everything from wine to coffee. Napkins were made by Melissa Bruck from Home Depot drop-cloths. The runner is from MagicLinen on Etsy. Pillows are made from off-cuts by Oliver Yaphe. Antique silverware bought on Etsy.
  • The covered lanai structure detailed and built by Hawaii Off-Grid features cedar tongue and groove. Also note the beautiful Modern Fans and Rich Brilliant Willing lighting.
  • Lanai with Resource Furniture Flex outdoor sofa, taro plant, stainless cable and ipe railing by Hawaii Off-Grid and view of the west maui mountains.
  • Taro plant on lanai in front of Richlite covered pony wall topped by Ipe and stainless wire railing by Hawaii Off-Grid. In front of board and batten wall.

Acer: Water tanks
Airlite: Purelite Interior paint
All-Clad: TK cookware set
Andersen: MultiGlide, 100 series windows & doors
Ann Sacks: Stampino & Savoy tiles
August: Smart Lock Pro, Doorbell Cam Pro
Bento Build: Lattice Kitchen
Blue Planet Energy: Blue Ion 2.0 Energy Storage
Boll & Branch: Organic bedding & towels
Cali Bamboo: Bamboo Engineered Flooring
eGauge: Energy meter
Freitag: Bags and clothing
Full Circle: Nesting bowls, other smart kitchen things
HAWAII OFF-GRID
Insteon: Smart dimmers and remote control outlets
KOHLER: Abrazo bath and many fixtures
Krups: SAVOY Coffee Maker
Magnum Bikes: Electric bikes
Meural: Canvas art monitor
Modern Fan Company: IC/Air3 & Cirrus ceiling fans
Neato: Botvac D5 Connected
Nest: Nest Cams, Secure alarm, Protect smoke + CO alarm
Oliver Yaphe: Rugs, runners, pillows, more
Plumen: 003 Dimmable LED Pendant Set
Pono Grown Farm Center
Ravensburger: The best games
Resource Furniture: Transforming furnishings
Rich Brilliant Willing: Crisp & Monocle lighting
Richlite: Countertops & table tops
Rowenta: Eco Iron, Silent Table Fan
Sense: Energy monitor
Separett: Composting waterless toilets
simplehuman: Trash cans, soap dispensers, more
Slyde Handboards: Handboards
Smeg: Induction cooktop, refrigerator, other kitchen appliances
Stelton: Pure Black knives
Sunflare: Sun2 Sunflare flexible solar panels
Tuft & Needle: Mattresses
Vanatoo: Transparent Zero speakers
WORX: Landroid Robotic Mower