"The mobius is kind of an infinity loop that's a single plane twisted through space," says Nodie Namba-Hadar, co-designer and co-builder of the Mobius House, a live-in sculpture and inspirational retreat. "We use that to symbolize that we as people are traveling together through time and space interdependently with different spheres of interaction. Even though it looks like we're in a different place, we're all on the same plane."

Designed to look and feel as if The Mobius House is part of the Earth, the live-in sculpture and inspirational retreat exists in tune with the natural environment. Photos: Kevin Whitton

The handcrafted koa stairs are framed by two 'ohi'a posts: the one on the left a 3-D sculpture carved from a block of 'ohi'a and the one on the right in its natural state.

Nodie and her husband, Sam, have quite an attention for detail, which is more than apparent in the Pupukea plateau dwelling. Part artist and wellness retreat, part sculpture and also a functioning home for Nodie, the Mobius House was built with nature, sustainability and symbolism entwined throughout. Set back in the forest at the end of Pupukea Road and beset by Sunset Ranch and the Pupukea-Paumalu Forest Reserve, the Mobius House's red exterior reflects the surrounding red Earth, as if it is part of the landscape. The orientation of the home on the site accepts the sweeping trade winds and passes them through the house, naturally cooling the indoor atmosphere.

Much like the ants that crawl around the mobius lattice styled as an infinity loop by artist M.C. Escher, not only is the house designed like a mobius, but the twisting arc of the mobius is also peppered throughout the home. The entire 6,500-square foot house is done in rounded curves, giving it an organic feel. Windows wrap the home welcoming the natural light; no two are alike. The red quarry tile literally flows from one end of the house to the other, the tile work creating paths that lead from the center of the house to each individual room, where a different aspect of the natural world is represented. The furniture is handmade by Nodie and Sam using locally sourced wood and Nodie has included accents around the home made from strawberry guava wood felled on the property, as well as art by her son, Kamea.

What's left for the Mobius House to incorporate into its dynamic being? According to Nodie, wind-generated electricity for the home. On Pupukea, they can't count on the sun, she says, but they sure can count on the fresh breeze.