Tropical Modern: Touring Hawaii's Most Iconic Home Nestled Amongst the Hillside | House Tour

The Liljestrand House, designed by renowned architect Vladimir Ossipoff for Howard and Betty Liljestrand, is a masterful example of mid-20th-century modern architecture nestled in the lush hills of Honolulu, Hawaii. Completed in 1952, the house seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living, reflecting Ossipoff's philosophy of "Hawaiian modernism." The design features extensive use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, large sliding glass doors, and expansive lanais that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The house's open floor plan and thoughtful attention to climate and site-specific conditions underscore Ossipoff's commitment to creating harmonized spaces with their environment.
The Liljestrand Foundation, established by the Liljestrand family, aims to preserve and share the architectural and cultural significance of the Liljestrand House. The foundation provides educational programs, tours, and events to foster appreciation for Ossipoff's work and the broader context of mid-century modern design in Hawaii. By maintaining the house and its original furnishings, the foundation offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyle and aesthetic values of the period, ensuring that future generations can experience and learn from this architectural wonder. Please visit www.liljestran... to learn more about the foundation, the home, the history, and, most importantly, how you can get involved in helping preserve The Liljestrand House.
Book a tour of the Liljestrand House here: www.liljestran...
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Film - Mick Aure @miccck
Producer - Elias Tebache @socalarchitecture
Music - Deep Al Brindle @DeepAlBrindle
Photography - Open Space Media
Special thanks - Shan Liljestrand and The Liljestrand Foundation ( @shanliljestrand & @liljestrand_house )
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[@openspace.series]

Make sure to watch the bonus footage after the credits 🙂 Book a tour of the Liljestrand House here: www.liljestrandhouse.org/tours

[@lorikutz8748]

My husband and I were so, so fortunate to have stayed in this home multiple times as guests of Howard Liljestrand, who married my Aunt Alberta (as his 2nd wife). Howard was a dear, kind man who always treated us as Ohana and like royalty! The home is truly magical. One of the birch logs in the fireplace was a Thank You gift from us that we sent him from Michigan! We will always remember Howard's generosity and friendship. We get chicken skin every time we see videos or photos of the home. Regards, Lori and Dennis

[@realninjawatcher]

One of the best Open Spaces episodes done yet, best part was the ending montage of family video, really helps tell the story of how such a beautiful space was also a space of love and life not only design

[@mrveeral]

whote heartedly agree with the above comment!! This has to be one of your best episodes!!!!

[@openspace.series]

Appreciate the lovely words.Thank you for watching!

[@antonwhittle415]

@@openspace.series my new favorite channel. Everything is so well done here, congratulations.

[@jacobgambrell8988]

I obviously can’t go as big as some of these houses with me making firefighter money but i want a well designed home that actually has some personality and is not as boring as all the homes I am looking at right now. I love your videos so I can get inspiration

[@playtheukulele4flores200]

Firefighter money … I can’t believe these jobs are not making very good money . Shame on our societies . Thanks for your service ❤

[@BaDazai]

That's the smartest move, I've been watching and doing my research for 3 years now. I don't want to rush into it untill I've designed a well thought out house. It doesn't have to be a mansion. I already bought my land and I want to do right by it and build a house that will set my heart ablaze. ❤

[@KJose-n5u]

Mid century homes alomg with its furniture items will never go out of style!

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I feel you man. Im a firefighter too. Its tough making mediocre pay yet taking so many risks and never sleeping. We should have become architects.😂 My wife is an art teacher for middle school age kids and makes considerably more than I do. Just once I’d like to be able to pay someone else to build something.

[@mhxxd4]

If you believe you can't, you'll be right every time

[@G_complex]

This house isn’t just pretty due to it’s architecture but also due to its history and story behind. Simply irreplaceable and phenomenal work of art.

[@purple6573]

Man I could shed a tear at how beautiful this house is from its layout and location.. I need to get rich asap

[@BlakeFox]

My husband that works at UH got me a personal tour when I first visited away years ago. The built in features of this house go beyond expectations. The baseboard under a cabinet in the kitchen is the waste bin, just sweep everything in. The kitchen sink window lowers into the wall to become an open bar to the patio. Aircraft cabin lighting instead of standard lights. So many more thoughtful features that should be standards in households.

[@i.m.7777]

I got goosebumps at the end watching the footage of children playing. What beautiful memories!

[@ulitkabob7567]

Как шумно и весело было

[@kenkenichi7461]

I wonder who the baby was?

[@Slippedndipped]

The bonus footage was unreal. Thank you for another excellent video.

[@botant500]

One of my favorite houses in the world and without a doubt my favorite pool. Good on the Liljestrand family for making sure the house is preserved while using it to make the world a bettter place.

[@steenkigerrider5340]

A design that will remain as attractive in the future as on the day it was constructed all those years ago.

[@christineviagedor7314]

To have such a beautiful home that almost feels and looks like a classic piece of art is one thing, but to also preserve the memories made through the clips at the end just had me sobbing 🥺 this has to be my favorite home ive seen on the internet.

[@barrybr1]

This is the most beautiful house I have ever seen! It's a mix of stunning design, an incredible place and a lightness and warmth that just pulled me in. The world is good.

[@matthewhardy5610]

What a great tribute by a grandson to his grandfather and grandmother. I don't think my own kids could be as thoughtful.

[@openspace.series]

Yes!

[@cherylmarie5477]

I’m sure they would be if they inherited this lol

[@arsalanz2214]

Absolutely stunning design👏 . Golden times when architecture wasn't gaudy and was more complementing & honest towards nature/materials and took into account the feeling of the tenants.

[@robertw1524]

From beginning to end a very engaging architectural and human story. Gracefully presented and elegantly crafted. Knowing that this home exists and is carefully maintained has reminded me of our capacity for love.

[@wasabiginger6993]

Just Imagine if all the People Living like this ... What a Wonderful World

[@cherylmarie5477]

Imagine inheriting this just because of who your dad is lol then driving your Lambo into town passed all of the homeless natives.

[@6ixtynine]

No doubt an exceptional design of a home architecturally; it’s the location, surroundings and outlook of its views is what really brings it altogether to the next level.

[@openspace.series]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@VN88ph]

That last video clip ❤❤❤ their memories in that house will be there forever - to grow old with your own house is really something to dream of...

[@EthanThomas-m3k]

Bravo! Such an amazing documentation of an important part of architectural history. The grandson really imparted a lot of knowledge about a family that put others welfare before monetary enrichment. That cut at the end to the home movies with the beautiful lilting melody made me tear up…job well done to the music department!

[@Sophialush]

One of the best architecture + interior design I ever seen 🧡🧡

[@MrPhotodoc]

Great story. So glad I clicked. I want to visit Hawaii now but everyone says stay away.

[@user-qq2se1lu5c]

I live on Maui. There's no need to stay away. The town of Lahaina is gone, but Ka'anapali & Kapalua are accessible after driving past it. Or there is Kihei for an easier drive. Accommodations are expensive though...lots of tourists are here.

[@noahlapuz3853]

This place exudes spirituality and natural tranquility!

[@Ellie46706]

This home is so u’i! Very well designed, from the location, to the materials and the architectural details! What I love most is the history behind its built and how it’s been maintained. As well as it being away from everything, fresh clean air and in da MOUNTIANS brah! Exactly where i hope to live someday! WaiWai Huna!

[@yeaokmyguy557]

The shot at 00:38 is so majestic. Wow. 05:14 Sheesh what a shot. This home is absolutely amazing. Great work OS Team!

[@desviz]

The epitome of sanctuary. I lived on Oahu for 3 years in the early 80s - and this house was there. I'm coming back for a tour, guaranteed.

[@Itsbennyfuchs]

I just wanted this video to never end. A magical and scenic property with a decent & humble owner. As Open Space is giving people's love and dedication to craftsmanship a platform, they are also transporting it to their viewership through high-quality cinematography and passion for design.

[@openspace.series]

Thank you!!

[@nancyjeanisnj]

Stunning home! And the story telling was a beautiful accompaniment. Then that family home movie montage at the end just wrapped this whole experience up with a big hug. Phenomenal!

[@madamemarmot]

What a beautiful house, well designed and lovingly built and maintained.

[@kellycoco33]

So breathtaking to watch and to listen, such a beautiful house, love everything, midcentury, that pool was the cherry on top. The family video, so beautiful!

[@SilentSpaceDesign]

I think I've found my favourite house. I love the quality of the video, top marks to the videographer. Great episode Open Space!

[@MariaPNW]

Thank you for sharing this space with the rest of us, via KZbin and your foundation! I now have it on my TO DO list to visit the home, and get a first-hand look/feel of the incredible architecture. The bonus footage at the end brings it all home, too! Simply amazing and inspiring!

[@Chepe1000]

Magnificent! This is art-chitecture.

[@Skir_plunx]

those clips at the end 👌

[@gerrynieves-dwyer4138]

What a stunning house. Everything about it is spectacular. And the views. The montage at the end gave me goosebumps to watch. The whole video is very well done. Bravo!

[@deltaking1388]

Surely one of the most stunningly beautiful designed and situated houses in the world. An absolute icon in the world of architecture. Thank you Liljestrand Foundation for sharing this with the world. i will be coming to do a house tour this August.

[@openspace.series]

Yes, def make your way over in Sept. you won’t regret it!

[@deltaking1388]

Wow oh wow! i did the tour yesterday, i was blown away, what an absolute design masterpiece this house is, the thought that has gone into every single detail -- the house siting, interior layout, the finishing detailing, precision -- the combined work of a true, true genius Vladimir Ossipoff and the Liljestrand owners who very precise about what they wanted. The result is an architectural masterpiece This house designed and built some 70 years ago, incredibly far surpasses most modern houses of this time. Unlike today there is no glitz or showing off, high finishes in this house -- rather the house quietly unfolds itself, with integrity, soul, Its a very Japanese house. Ordered. Restrained. Functional. The iconic lounge views to Diamond Head and out to sea are out of this world. i urge any house / architectural buff to do this tour. You will be impressed. Thank you architect Steven our tour guide, and Trudy.

[@SteveThompson-li2fc]

Fantastic. Thank goodness it stayed preserved and in the family.

[@diannefernando9296]

I'm a Sri Lankan.. and really Jeffory bawa was a Gem. ❤

[@LiebsteMama]

I loved to listen to Shan nearly as much as admiring the house. What a story and beautifully told! I just got back from Oahu and am very sad I did not know about this house before. Would have loved to visit! So so beautiful.

[@bobnomura2068]

What a beautiful house and property !!! Funny you mentioned about Leeward Hospital - I went to the Leeward Hospital ER once in the 70s.

[@davidb0064]

Wonderful narration, your grandfather would be so proud. Just beautiful on many levels.

[@johnfitzgerald1879]

Truly one of your best stories you have done. The house was left to the correct caretakers (thankfully!). I am in HNL every other week for work and have always wanted to tour the Liljestrand house (and make a donation to its preservation). August, it’s going to happen if tours are available? And the old Hi-8 video got me misty eyed.

[@jaydenscherrenberg367]

An absolutely beautiful film. I'm so grateful for this media company. The service you are providing to the architectural community is immense.

[@beatlesfansam]

A fantastic home and backstory, with the best part being the family video content at the end (which helped make this one of my favorite videos in this series).

[@JeanPierreVanderWeerd]

Truly wonderfull the family decided to preserve and open up the house to the public. Thank you. Big cheer.

[@tiarahayusanjaya4408]

12:55 crazy scenery and colors wow

[@jobskinner833]

Excellent job! If I didn't know better, I would have assumed your home was a well preserved original. I love your house! Its perfect!❤️

[@karthikshetty2206]

One Word ---Beautiful

[@Tobden-1992]

It’s simply…HEAVEN ON EARTH 🎉🍀

[@gregpendrey6711]

Seriously monumental. Thank you for sharing your home in Hawaii.

[@bash.m0]

The end scene 🎬 is the cherry 🍒 on top!

[@openspace.series]

Glad you got to the very end!

[@KerrieRedgate]

There is spiritual energy in this house, full of ki. The views, the colours and style of furnishings, and it's modest rather than glamorous "look at me" architectural style. It's so natural and slips into its environment so perfectly. I guess I'm saying there is no "ego" in this house design. It is totally liveable. I love it! There is nothing better than Japanese aesthetics. I may not get to Hawaii (from OZ) in this lifetime, but thank you to the family for preserving this legacy and opening it up to the public.

[@tiogoala7654]

The amazing story continues.

[@SusanStewartSidel]

Love this home. The home movies are so great!

[@moisesortiz1863]

Beautiful video! great story telling and I'm glad I watched all the way to the end!

[@Anjuli72]

Just beautiful

[@Birchblaze]

Magical! As noted by others, as amazing as the rest of the footage is, the home movie clips at the end make this film. I can only imagine how incredible it must have been to grow up in this tropical mountain palace! I'm guessing that one of the children in those home movies was a parent to the main host/narrator?

[@markdyballuk]

what a beautiful home and it's placement is breathtaking, thank you for sharing

[@cristinacp8720]

What an amazing monument to MCM architecture & design. I'm mad about all the furniture & art. When can I move in 😉?!

[@jasonlee-os1qi]

Fantastic!

[@brettclarke8487]

Yes.

[@udomw8058]

Thanks!

[@udomw8058]

Thank you for sharing this amazing story of your grandfather on how he built his home and family and how kind he was as a devoted physician. Very successful story telling, so powerful, so touching. I was blown away, watched it twice and took the messages all in. The old footage added at the end has a HUGE psychological impact to the viewers. Great production, great music! Love!❤️

[@gregkarkowsky967]

very cool. beautiful home.

[@LiveInnerCity]

This house is amazing! The way it blends in with the environment is incredible.

[@dongsimon8852]

the view is fantistic

[@MyLoganTreks]

Stunningly Beautiful thank you for sharing it.

[@ride_the_wind]

So beautiful. Thank you

[@weschilders]

Beautiful! We have considered touring this house the last few times we have visited Oahu and I am convinced this is a must-see on our trip next month.

[@openspace.series]

It’s a must!!

[@muddyhumber]

OG MCM!

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

This home truly deserve the spot on this channel. Amazing! 💯

[@rayleighg9235]

Japanese Architecture is so distinct you'd immediately know if the craftsmanship is done by a Japanese. They're so good at woodworking

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

❤thank you ❤

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

You obviously have honored your grandfather and his son,you have a special care for your place ❤ thank you 🙏

[@gailsiangco5599]

Mahalo for sharing such a "Beautiful Home"! It is awesome it is being shared under the "Foundation" !!!

[@bcookmusic]

Outstanding! Fantastic design.

[@zandrelrodrigues5026]

Love

[@alemann77]

It´s like a dream house...

[@kimcarroll1129]

What an amazing home and story! I’m a photographer on the Big Isle. I would LOVE to get to shoot the home for the family. ❤

[@KG_BM]

Im so glad yall dont do just california

[@victoriapaxton3924]

This hose is a dream! Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing ❤.

[@artemaom]

Super

[@jyames0]

love this guy's mentality and intentions

[@openspace.series]

Shan is such a great person to tell the story

[@thedarksurfer.]

Amazing. SImply amazing.

[@jepm9422]

this house is perfect!

[@user-su6ik4iy4h]

Beautiful home, i want to build one overlooking my city

[@aeropilot4419]

🤯🤯🤯 👏🏼

[@dmd1973]

Respect

[@hustlerider]

Good job. Thank you. Loved the archive videos

[@abhijitsharmavlogs2744]

Thankyou so much, Really like it a lot

[@bmcowan1]

Amazing!

[@b3_Media]

how do you guys not have 50M subscribers? wow.

[@sharksport01]

Fantastic story and house. I did spit my coffee when i saw that Sears Barcolounger though.

[@kevmagill5163]

Exquisite

[@oblivion3331]

This is amazing. Really

[@Kofi.86]

Beautiful property luv the location where it is

[@openspace.series]

It’s the perfect location!

[@KJSvitko]

All new buildings should be designed with large roof overhangs. The large overhang provides beauty and protection from the sun, rain and wind. Protection of the doors, windows and siding make for a more durable and comfortable home.

[@RPATX]

❤

[@FirasTaieb]

literally a dream

[@eghigorospe5840]

I love your house❤

[@dagicoglu]

Love 🥰😍

[@AnastasiaKonstantinova]

Место полёта не только птиц ❤