Professor-turned-farmer's Circular Home perches over ideal live-work homestead

Mitch Marks bought agricultural land on The Big Island of Hawaii in 1990 and years later when he was retiring from teaching he decided to give farming a go.
Initially, he had planned to build his retirement home, but recognizing that only 10% of the food here is grown on the island, he began to farm what had been a coffee plantation a century ago.
Claiming he was blessed with very fertile soil by the Goddess of the Volcano, Pele, today he farms mangos, cacao, avocado and enough Kona coffee to supply a local coffee shop when their own crop was ruined by infestation.
For his own home, he knew he wanted to be integrated with the land, so he asked architect Craig Steely to design him a home where he could “live” in his atrium. Steely surrounded that atrium with a perfectly round home with full-height glass windows to let in the color of the vegetation, the sounds of the farm and an occasional visit from a chicken.
Steely worried that a round home would be unmoored so he lofted a wedge above it as a geometric office. Like a D-fin from an old surfboard, this gives the home its name and a sense of direction.
Completing the circle (home), triangle (fin) and square (atrium), a rectangular lap pool juts off the home from above.
Architect Craig Steely: www.craigsteely.com/
Steely’s Lava Flow Home that inspired Mitch Marks to want to “live in an atrium”:
www.craigsteely.com/project/l...
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/articles/pr...

[@mashalashangry2438]

what i admire about Kristen's video is that she can take us to places like that and then to a goat guy living in his bike , such a different ways of living and enjoying the life itself

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

I'd LOVE to see "goat guy" and this guy ... switch homes for a year.

[@evangewho56]

Do you mean the SHEEP guy, why do so many people make that mistake, even calling him the DONKEY guy makes more sense (unless there are TWO guys living on makeshift wagons (not bikes) I think he has animals pulling his WAGON on wheels.

[@evangewho56]

This guy is way more capable in many ways and while he wouldn’t have too much problem running the sheep buys biz, doubt the reverse would work.

[@evangewho56]

Also when the sheep guy said that small farms only should hire people like woofers, that suggestion is that the workers should be treated worse than the pickers who work for large farms they get PAY along with housing.

[@graceaxisa4213]

It's a shame that so many of the comments are about the owner and his apparent wealth. We don't know him, how hard he's worked, what his partner has contributed, how he's managed his finances over the years, whether he had an inheritance (and if so, he clearly hasn't wasted it at a casino). I see a hardworking guy who has branched out into another industry, who appreciates his surroundings, is friendly to his neighbour and is thrilled with his architect's design. Thank you for showing us so many different homes, Kristen ❤

[@martinelongum2439]

Good for you🙃

[@graceaxisa4213]

@@martinelongum2439 😅

[@hokied88]

While I agree that generalizations shouldn't be made about the owner and his life, the current situation in Hawai'i and the active global reckoning with the insidious and subtle violence of colonialism are hard to downplay. The desolation from the Maui fire on the adjacent island and the land grabs by wealthy interlopers following it are pushing many of the indigenous population out of their native lands. The appeal of Kristen's videos, to some, is just the architectural creativity that exists in this wide world. To others, like myself, it's also the environmental aspect that draws us, like improvised/unconventional structures (like recycled building elements or earthships) or the escapist appeal of ecologically centered alternative lifestyles like off-grid homesteading. So, while the scenery is beautiful and the architecture is interesting, it's hard to see this as much more than an Architectural Digest or MTV Cribs-style feature of a wealthy European man on pillaged land that's inaccessible to most of the descendents of the victims of American colonialism. It's pretty and relaxing to watch...but leaves a bitter aftertaste (like the cacao that this Californian man grows, since he doesn't like sugar).

[@graceaxisa4213]

@@hokied88 thank you, most sincerely, for this insightful and intelligent response. I am in Australia and this is a part of Hawaiian history that I am not aware of (though not surprised, as it is surely a worldwide phenomenon 😔). I do stand by my belief that people need to be respectful towards others and not make comments that are insulting or condescending (as others were throughout the comments section). However, I cannot deny that your response has given me an opportunity to reflect. Thank you 🌿

[@Woketard]

They probably voted for Biden and are simply jealous. In other words, they're loses that KNOW they are wasting their life.

[@scientifico]

Heartachingly beautiful! To see the sunset, to smell the forest cooling, the sound of frogs. I'm alone and i think that house would be wasted on me but to share it with someone I love... so much joy.

[@user-uv8bv4dm9f]

completely agree about the sunset- the panorama view looked like an oil painting- so vibrant. Imagine having that everyday! I can only think that the view at dawn is equally spectacular.

[@roberth7894]

Talk about living out a Hawaiian fantasy, great job by this man to steward the land and get enjoyment living there too!

[@contrary8880]

This is so beautiful...a round house is good feng shui allowing for constant flow. Good for him...he deserves it for having been a teacher all those years, which is not an easy feat. Pele HAS been good to him and he's fully aware of that...🤩

[@elluisito000]

The rain in the tropics is something else 😊

[@MyLoganTreks]

The Coqui frogs aren't native to Hawaii but Puerto Rico the sound of them is the most tranquil melody. Landscape trees and plants are the same in any tropical part of the world along with the animals humans brought with them, like the rats and mongoose.

[@karencollins5287]

A beautiful place and land. I was appalled when I went to Hawaii and the grocery stores only sold everything packaged up from mainland US. The place is so fertile, you can grow an abundance there but someone has stitched up the economy... I did finally find a farmers market where I brought my food but as a tourist it was so weird that hardly anyone was growing food locally. Such a shame. It looks like Mitch is trying to remedy that thank goodness! His pool ands bedroom, gorgeous

[@FATTONYKAUAI]

You can’t grow food on land that starts at 1,000,000$ acre

[@patriotschannel1336]

Is it even like that on the smaller islands in Hawaii?

[@FATTONYKAUAI]

The smaller the island the more expensive it gets

[@gemmeldrakes2758]

​@@FATTONYKAUAI Tourists tend to have a fantasy image of tropical islands being paradise which they bring with them to the tropics. They don't realise that for food production, economies of scale play a major role. It can make locally grown food more expensive than imported food.

[@cantodelbosque11]

@@gemmeldrakes2758 we grow basically everything we eat here in Costa Rica.

[@brianmahoney4156]

this channel opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about life and the world

[@Barzol636]

Great watch, stunning vegetation and what a lovely man , I wish him lots of joy

[@carolz5090]

I watch this channel for the architecture, design and innovation of unusual homes. I see the posts today regarding societal and wealth issues, and I’m not ignoring those statements or commenting on their validity when I say that I’ve seen Kirsten Dirksen highlight residences up and down the wealth scale. I think this series is really about the integration of homes within their landscape. I too wondered about the source of his wealth knowing it couldn’t be just dependent on farming, but I also appreciated seeing this stunning home.

[@raymascetta]

I agree to a certain degree - they clearly impacted the land in severe ways (clearing 100-year-old growth without ever considering the consequences). Personally I don’t think that this guy understands or appreciates the concepts that Kirsten’s videos typically illustrate (maybe his architect does? Hard to tell). Not the end of the world, but also not a direction I would personally continue in, since it is not adding anything to the sustainability of the planet in a meaningful way. Growing local is important, but relying on wealthy people to supply our food as a hobby is not really going to cut it 😅

[@carolz5090]

@@raymascetta True, and I appreciate your thoughtful response to my comment. For this house I guess it’s more about the beauty of the home and its design rather than its integration with the landscape. The architect created a visual buffet. I do recognize that some clearing is necessary for the home, let alone the farm, to exist, but your point on the amount of clearing that was done and its impact remains.

[@raymascetta]

Yes, I cannot argue with the fact that the house is visually stunning, and a great use of space, in a totally gorgeous location.

[@Woketard]

The people complaining are probably Bidensheep that are simply jealous. Jealously and envy led to the French Revolution. And they didn't govern better than the previous establishments. Let them whine and cry.

[@janetwalker3541]

Wow!!! All I can say is wow!! I'm so envious! What an incredible life he has!

[@catekinyanjui5255]

The view, stunning! He must have saved a lot through the years to secure such a pie of paradise for his retirement..

[@angeldominguez5952]

So surprised to hear the coqui sounds in Hawaii I used to live in Puerto Rico and love to hear and see the little frogs, when I left I couldn't sleep for many night. It may me so happy to hear them in your video. Beautiful land. God is an amazing creator. Love your videos. Blessings

[@chriscraver4070]

You take us to magical places. This has to be on the very top. Not only is the view spectacular but the house itself has so much serenity. The land and its gardens out of a fantasy. The owner has blessed himself with heaven on earth.❤

[@blueman5924]

Wow ! 🤩 Love it when great design meets the ultimate location. Plus, it’s a farm. win-win,win. 👍👍 thank you for sharing !

[@FirstnameLastname-ps4cu]

Very nice house. Designed very well for the landscape and what the owner wanted.

[@Houseds]

The professor's round house is very impressive and interesting. Nature almost embraces the house. The views from all directions are wonderful, a place to live in harmony with nature.

[@AbuSous2000PR]

I have been a subscriber of Kristen's channel since she had 10,000 subscribers...your work guys is appreciated

[@MichaelKapa-oz2ff]

I salute the owner, the house truly reflects him.

[@huntakilla1234]

Absolutely stunning property

[@fredsimmons2793]

Outstanding Kirsten,not only is the house and grounds one of a kind but the host is special.Thanks to all of you.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

I LOVE❤ this house, and the land, the view from the bedroom or any window. One of the best. So good on all the levels. The man knows how to live.

[@thetruthspeaksvolumesq4351]

Unbelievable gorgeous beautiful home and land ❤😊 I would never ever leave my driveway unless walking in the outdoors and to the beach 🏖️

[@RARDingo]

I'm in love! This house is just so beautiful & the integration of the farm with the land is marvelous. The zen-like openess & practicality of this whole setup is a dream come true for me.

[@veeveeleo9713]

Thank you K … you never let us down 😊 , it’s so beautiful 😻

[@kathleenomalley7838]

Kristen, looking at the pool with the backdrop of the office and round house reminds me of the Pi formula ❤

[@kirstendirksen]

The pi formula is a great one.

[@MIKECDMX-iw8zr]

Thank you Kirsten for such an awsome work, Ive seen more than 10 videos already and I can't stop I keep seeing one more.... hahaha. Congrats; great channel!!!

[@songsplay9092]

One of the best houses I have seen, very practical... small but spacious!! I would love to work from that work room! So many shades of green and his bedroom. This wins and ticks all bulletpoints from my philosophy of 'ideal house'. No non-sense solar panels, no gimmicks... just plain nature.

[@painfree.yourself]

Respect! What a stunningly beautiful home. Congratulations. Totally love the house and the design ❤

[@Slava_Snitko]

Thank you for the real inspiration! When I see how someone can imagine LIKE THIS and then bring it to life, it truly inspires me.

[@1FeistyKitty]

amazing setup --- great presentation as ususal --- it feels huge ---- the atrium and all the glass is brilliant.

[@notpub]

Incredibly gorgeous and functional. Beautiful!!

[@SeaBreeze2247]

A house designed and obviously inspired by the lush and colorful vegetation, the magnificent views and peaceful sounds is a true dream home. Every view outside through those windows captures so much beauty, it’s almost overwhelming.

[@oellasawandtool]

Beautiful farm. Curious not to see any solar panels I would think in Hawaii it would benefit this individual and the island’s carbon footprint. Perhaps they were not videoed. Outside of that. The views are grand. I do appreciate the size. Not massive. Perhaps more than the average but not excessive. Tasteful. This gentleman seems to revere the land and he’s making it work. Hats off ! Great video.

[@7018bluegrass]

One of the most excellent views home and areas I’ve ever seen.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Wow, stunning architecture and superb garden. How wonderful to watch this while eating supper on my Spring Break. Thanks so much to you and the owner. May Goddess Pele continue to bless this farm. ❤❤😊😊😮

[@praptimahyuddin4476]

I've been to Hawaii 5 years ago, attending my son's weeding. Yes, it's a beautiful place, but certainly an expensive place to live. A lot of the local people can't afford to own a property. Most of agriculture product in the market come from the mainland of US. It would be appreciated if this professor can create good income for the local people by improving the agri product. 🙏

[@innershifttv]

Thank you once more for a beautiful tour! I am enchanted by the beauty of this form.

[@5000cache]

WoW ! Amazing. Beautiful. Love it. Thank you for sharing...

[@ericvuille1956]

🇨🇭 We have such round houses in my country who turn to be in front the sun and the light as most as possible...the balance with the Nature should be important....👋😃❤️🇨🇭

[@benjaminvazquez697]

I like your video. In some point I thought it was filmed in Puerto Rico. Caballero, you are blessed..

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

As a music guy who is into stereo stuff the round idea appeals. I like the professor and his farm is amazing.

[@centerbfd]

The plan reminds me of a millstone, with the atrium being the hole for the axle.

[@mslady1521]

I love how he refers to the vegetation as a cushion and as protective.

[@justagirlsd3000]

Beautiful! My favorite bay! He’s so blessed 🙏🏽

[@hajnalkadoszpoth5008]

Wow! This farm is the nicest what I ever seen. I wanna be to live there...this man is really blessed.

[@Kara_2505]

Beautiful place, astonishing surroundings! Will you please do a short docu on a Hawaiian indigenous project like Kumano I Ke Ala. They are doing something amazing for the next generations.

[@Woketard]

I'm so sick and tired the word "indigenous."

[@K2blades2]

WOW. That place is totally amazing. I can't imagine living there.

[@tmac9972]

It sounds like to many people live on Hawaii for the aesthetics of the land and not enough people are growing food like this guy is, he is doing both things living off the aesthetics and adding to the agriculture of the land. I was under the impression that there was a lot of farming on Hawaii but apparently not enough.

[@shelbydelpe4138]

but then selling to high end restaurants??????

[@mradventurer8104]

@@shelbydelpe4138 ok but he can't compete with normal cacao from Africa which uses very cheap labour and huge quantities. He also has to survive. Still the fruits he sell add to the local production and the more people who do that the more local prices will become more reasonable I think.

[@shelbydelpe4138]

@@mradventurer8104 survive??? dude is a white men living in Hawaii and the locals don't even want foreigners living or traveling to Hawaii

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

❤air circulation is a reason why round houses are so good ❤

[@goostrey4210]

When you say that the shape of the triangular structure on the roof reminds you of something, Kristen, perhaps you are thinking of malqafs in Egypt, a type of traditional wind-catcher cooling device that is just the same shape.

[@joansoucy6068]

I want to be a tropical farmer, and retire in Belize. Very inspirational. Living in paradise, while contributing , fresh nutrition too🌴

[@OnlinerSecrets]

Beautiful place, I'd love to have something like it. Feels so peaceful.

[@cece5323]

The round nature of the house makes the view even more impressive. Beautiful view.

[@tynitahaines4012]

This man's ho.e is beautiful.. So peaceful. I would love to live there.

[@1RobertSmith]

Maybe he should release the blueprints of that thing. Many of convicts totally understand his idea of not being confined by angles

[@garyreneau6166]

I didn’t think I’d have much affinity for a round house, but this is awesome

[@kristine8338]

Amazing place and fruit farm. Aloha 🥑 ☕️ 🥥.

[@NEIL-CURCIO]

I love how he kept thanking the Goddess Pele- very cool 🤙

[@hfdthvd]

This guy solved one of the oldest unsolvable math problems of all time - squaring the circle! Take that, Euclid and Archimedes! All it took was ignoring your dumb compass and straightedge rules and just building a freakin' circle with a square inside it.

[@nicolasboullosa]

LOL

[@Paul-qe1uf]

What a home/farm! You've done an amazing job cultivating the land and building a stunning home to enjoy. If there are derogatory comments (I haven't read below), I would venture to say a good many of them are borne from jealousy. You're a very fortunate man - and it's clear that you appreciate it. Thank you so much for sharing it.

[@samaranch09]

The fantastic place with the incredible panoramic view

[@mkhjr]

Super cool house! How does your channel work financially? Seems like you're everywhere and you travel with family - would love a video on how it works

[@ayebaremartin2870]

wow!!! this is beautiful. i love it! he's definitely living beyond my dream expectations. i appreciate the great work you are doing as u post such amazing videos. bravo!

[@maeshellewest-davies7904]

It’s like a big sound installation. And that view!

[@alaintavakoli4573]

This one got me hypnotize 😍 breathtakingly beautiful.

[@drbhaviify]

The best house i ever saw in life !❤❤❤❤❤ i m watching this house again and again and again! Thank u so much kristen for showing me this part of the world!

[@deeannh17]

90% of their food is flown or boated in? Crazy! They have such wonderful land and weather to grow food on.

[@luceinbattaglia9425]

Perfect house in a perfect island I would say. Congrats from Sicily! Bellissima!

[@boardwalkbw7130]

I'm totally in love with this entire property

[@robynbrouckaert8304]

What a pleasure. Thank you.

[@drbhaviify]

The best house i ever saw in life !❤❤❤❤❤ i m watching this house again and again and again! Thank u so much kristen for showing me this part of the world! Lots of love from Bombay India 🇮🇳 ❤😊

[@kimjones217]

Lovely home. Love the round, great views, luscious land.

[@TLTSofit]

as always, an incredible peak into a great building.

[@jm8meditate274]

Wow, what a place and house

[@user-fw6zs3fd6h]

I love your content ! Thanks for taking me along . 🙌

[@user-jz4zu8ln5y]

집이 정말 대단하십니다 좋은영상 잘보고갑니다

[@user-mt9cu3to3w]

Truly stunning! As much as I like the convenience of my downtown neighbourhood, this place looks f'ing perfect.

[@allonesame6467]

I feel I've been somewhere! Thank you!

[@lipa-art]

Omg❤how georgous this is as a whole- as he says in the end- Im just blessed to live here😊he really is blessed by being surrounded by this - great work Kirsten and husband, as always👌

[@dews3340]

Thanks for sharing today 🎉

[@pascalchavanon1930]

Nice home.Perfect location 🤓🇫🇷

[@janeysiegrist5061]

What a beautiful place.

[@bombasticiti]

I enjoyed every bit of this video

[@markanthony653]

Very well done!!!

[@sylmarie6494]

They should start exporting Mongooses to Florida to take care of the snake problems. Thank you, Kirsten and family, for this great video!

[@unicornbaby8588]

Great video superb home ❤! Thank you thank you

[@labellecongolaise]

I’m so in looove with this house!

[@sandrafrizzell7682]

Breath taking

[@JoanneSgrignoli]

Thank you, Kirsten, for another amazing video. This house and the land are spectacular! God's creation is truly amazing. All glory to Him, not a pagan goddess. 🙏❤️

[@cseon1850]

very enjoyable to watch!

[@aaronkamakaze2967]

I am someone of native Hawaiian ancestry, and i have no problem with this man enjoying his property in Hawaii. He's doing his best to be sustainable. I am not going to judge him on his wealth or skin tone. In fact, the big island of hawaii, where he lives, especially the area his property is, is very affordable. it's cheaper than the national average. So people assumimg he's rich and clearly dont know real estate prices in this part of the mainland. Prices are cheaper here because of a lack of utilities and government services. Its alot of work lovomg im rural Big Island (Hawai'i).... and the people who seem to be upset in the comments all seem to be haoles themselves. You are not doing native people any favors by having us perpetually live in the past and hold grudges against people I dont know personally all because of something that happened 100 years before my birth. All people throughout history have been colonized. King Kamehameha colonized the Haaaiian islamds using european weopons and assistance. The royal family allied with europeans and used their resources and economy to hold their power and wealth over the Hawaiian people. I am not going to hold a grudge when the Hawaiian royal family welcomed this way of life with open arms and heavily benefited from participating in the US exonomy. I live in the present, and i pray my people can all do this and try and thrive with all the benefits that are provided for Kanaka Maoli. We need to take advantage of what we have, and not pretend like we lost anything when the majority of us lived under the monarchy and had no claim to the land anyway.

[@reginacabreira4432]

Just wonderful!

[@arhodes2866]

Wow fabulous home

[@59jaguar]

Love the house but hate that front door piece of glass . Hawaii is magical

[@XylonPH]

That is an amazing house with its unique architectural design in my opinion.

[@fausmartinez6342]

Esta super Me encanta ese jardín y una vista maravillosa saludos

[@dianaanthony2981]

Thank you for honoring Madame Pele.

[@jwebbw]

I luv these circular homes, I think we are going to see more of these be built in the future, this and wall-less houses, i.e. in the Japanese style....take care and keep it up !!

[@dianachern4234]

Awesome beautiful house