The Jean and Zohmah Charlot House
SHPD Historic Site #: 80-14-9790
National Register of Historic Places: #00001371
Photo: Andrew Richard Hara
Architects:
Vladimir ‘Val’ Nicholas Ossipoff (Kitchen)
James Hubbard (Landscape)
Design:
Jean Charlot & Pete Wimberly
Other:
Isami Enomoto (Ceramics)
The Jean and Zohmah House is one of Hawai’i’s great mid-century modern residences, with a uniquely artistic flair. Designed in 1957 and completed in 1958, the 2,800 square foot split level ranch-style home—one of the first homes in Kahala, O’ahu—was the product of seamless collaboration between Jean and the great Hawai’i architects and ceramicist of that era. Tucked away in a private, quarter-acre parcel, the House incorporates the openness and lanais of island homes with traditional French and Mexican elements, creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor living with its large windows, glass doors, three lanais, natural materials (redwood, pressed Hapu’u), curved walls, and open floor plan. Trade winds and ocean breezes cool this island sanctuary. Excellent craftsmanship throughout, the House is highlighted with a major fresco as well as numerous painted ceramic tiles both indoors and outdoors. Garden sculptures dotted the property.
Jean and Zohmah resided at the House for the remainder of their lives. In 2001, the House was donated to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and in 2022, the House reverted back to Charlot family ownership. With time, restoration of the House and garden will be completed.
Contact: David Charlot, JeanZohmahCharlotHouse@gmail.com
photo: Darren Bradley
photo: Darren Bradley
