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Incredible Ettore Sottsass–Designed House in Hawaii Lists for $9.8 Million

The famed Italian architect designed every aspect of the home, down to the flatware and dishes

By Haley Chouinard
Modern colorful house with red, green, and yellow sections, surrounded by a garden and trees under a blue sky.
The house, designed by Ettore Sottsass, has never gone on the market before. Photo: Trade Winds Photography

A house masterminded by famed architect and designer Ettore Sottsass has hit the market for $9.8 million. It is the first time that the three-bedroom Hawaiian retreat has ever been up for sale.

One of seven residences designed by Sottsass (and one of just three in the United States), the colorful home was completed in 1997 and boasts majestic views of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Sottsass, who rose to fame in the 1980s by spearheading the Memphis design movement, created virtually everything inside as well, from furniture and objects to the dishes, flatware, glasses, and even the stationery and pens. (These custom goods are also for sale, to be negotiated separately.)

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The 2,500-square-foot dwelling was commissioned by the current owners, Lesley Bailey and Adrian Olabuenaga, who worked with Sottsass while launching their accessories brand, ACME Studio. The half-acre property sits on the gentle slope of Haleakala, in Maui’s highly sought-after Kula district. Sottsass also designed the property’s landscape, which is organic and based on permaculture theory.

The property is listed with Becky Hanna through Sotheby’s International Realty.

Modern multicolored house with large windows and wooden deck, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone path on a sunny day.
Sottsass designed the house and the surrounding landscape. Trade Winds Photography

Modern house entrance with bright red door, gray wall, and potted plants surrounded by greenery.
Photos of the home have also been included in numerous Sottsass museum exhibitions. Trade Winds Photography

Modern living room with large windows, black sofa, glass coffee table, and view of clouds and greenery outside.
The house has sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby ocean. Trade Winds Photography

Modern kitchen with yellow cabinets, large window view, and stainless steel island with barstools.
Virtually everything in the home, from furniture and objects to the dishes, flatware, glasses—even the stationery and pens—was designed by Sottsass. Trade Winds Photography

Modern dining room with a round glass table, metal chairs, and an open archway leading to a bright living area.
The Sottsass-designed furnishings are also for sale. Trade Winds Photography

Modern home office with white desk, vintage red typewriter, and large windows overlooking a patio and garden.
The home’s colorful office. Trade Winds Photography

Modern bedroom with large windows, white bedding, a bedside table with decor, and lush greenery visible outside.
The house has three bedrooms. Sotheby's International Realty

Modern bathroom with two sinks, large mirror, and pink tiles, adjacent to a bedroom with natural light streaming in.
The blush-toned bathroom off the master bedroom. Trade Winds Photography

Modern bedroom with wooden furniture, large abstract painting above bed, and geometric-patterned blanket on bed.
An art-filled room in the house. Trade Winds Photography

Courtyard with vibrant yellow and green walls, featuring a central tree in a tiled planter and lush foliage surrounding.
A courtyard sits on the side of the house. Trade Winds Photography

Modern house with large windows, green accent wall, and wooden patio deck featuring orange and white outdoor furniture.
The terrace offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vista and is decorated with furniture designed by Sottsass himself. Trade Winds Photography

Driveway leading to a wooden gate surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees under a partly cloudy sky.
The gated entrance to the house is surrounded by lush Hawaiian greenery. Trade Winds Photography