Brasel Residence

Keauhou, Hawaii

Architect: Hawaii Island Architects, LLC, Kailua Kona, HI; Roger Brasel, AIA

Art Consultant: Interior re*DESIGN, Kailua Kona, HI; Christina Birtcher

Transom Window
6.0' w. by 1.9' h.


As part of the entry sequence into this contemporary Hawaiian residence, the design for the transom stained glass takes several cues from the architecture and art surrounding it. At night, interior lighting projects color from the stained glass upwards onto the ceiling of the porte-cochere dramatizing the sense of arrival. The strong horizontality of the trim outlining lighting alcoves in the ceiling appears to flow into the window. A light, airy range of glasses allows maximum light into the entry foyer. The hanging light fixture in the foyer inspired the arcs and curves in the stained glass. The color palette emulates colors found in the custom designed doorway rug below as well as in “Interaction”, a painting on the adjacent wall.


Materials: German and French mouthblown glass, hand-pressed lenses, lead and solder.