Ep 1. Looking Out for Lava Tubes

Building Hawaii is a captivating reality show that showcases the efforts of builders, engineers, and architects as they take on the challenge of constructing extraordinary, breathtaking homes in one of the most beautiful places in the world – Hawaii.

In season 1 episode 1, "Looking Out for Lava Tubes," the show introduces us to the different members of the team, including the builder, engineer, and designer. They are all passionate about creating unique and sustainable homes that blend with the natural beauty of Hawaii.

The episode begins with the team arriving at a stunning 4-acre lot on the big island of Hawaii. Their challenge is to build a home that takes advantage of the property's stunning ocean views while accommodating the contours of the volcanic landscape.

The team immediately notices that the property has several lava tubes that run underneath it. The lava tubes are ancient, natural underground tunnels that were formed by lava that flowed from the Kilauea volcano. The team understands that these lava tubes are a unique feature of the property, and their goal is to incorporate them into the design of the house.

The team starts by surveying the property to get an understanding of the land's contours. They then meet with geologists to learn more about the lava tubes and how they can safely construct a home that respects them. It's important to the team that they keep the tubes intact for aesthetic and environmental reasons.

The designer starts working on the blueprints of the house, taking into consideration the lava tubes' location and the surrounding landscape. The design of the house is planned around these features, ensuring that the lava tubes are preserved while still meeting the client's needs.

The engineer starts the process of creating a foundation for the house. They must first determine the thickness and strength of the lava rock layer beneath the surface. Using specialized equipment, they drill deep into the ground and sample the rock for analysis. This process ensures that the foundation can support the weight of the house and withstand the volcanic landscape's movement.

Meanwhile, the builder starts the excavation process, digging a massive hole in the ground that will serve as the foundation. They must be careful not to disturb the lava tubes and work closely with the engineer to ensure that the foundation is appropriately placed and adequately reinforced.

As the project progresses, the team encounters several challenges. The steep terrain makes it difficult to move heavy equipment and materials, and the unpredictable volcanic landscape makes construction work challenging. The team works tirelessly to overcome these challenges and ensure that they create a beautiful, sustainable home that sits harmoniously with the land.

This episode of Building Hawaii takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of architectural design, engineering, and construction. It showcases the unique challenges of building a home in a stunning but challenging location like Hawaii and highlights the team's skill, dedication, and commitment to creating homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.