Hillcrest

Hillcrest Avenue | Hillside Living Reimagined
La Cañada, California
Luxury Landscape Architecture | Hillside Design | Fire-Resilient Outdoor Living

Overview
Hillcrest Avenue is a landmark project for Ecocentrix—our most expansive and technically challenging residential design to date. Situated in the hills of La Cañada, this steep and dramatic site demanded bold ideas, deep expertise, and a vision for what hillside living could truly become.

Working closely with the client, we transformed an inaccessible slope into a multilevel outdoor retreat that balances architectural sophistication with ecological sensitivity. Every level of the property offers immersive luxury and moments of quiet discovery—from floating spas to hillside theaters, cantilevered decks to private studios.

Design Challenge & Collaboration
From the outset, this project tested our creativity. The steep terrain and limited access posed major design and construction challenges. We were also tasked with preserving heritage oaks and navigating wildfire-conscious planting strategies—without compromising the client’s dream for a high-end outdoor living environment.

Our team returned to the drawing board more than once, refining circulation, structural transitions, and viewsheds to achieve a seamless interplay between home and hillside. The result is a masterclass in responsive landscape architecture.

Main House Level: A Reimagined Poolscape
The upper terrace at the main residence serves as the project’s social hub. A redesigned poolscape anchors this level, complete with sculptural fire features, lush drought-tolerant planting, and a sophisticated outdoor kitchen that mirrors the architectural language of the home.

This space is as functional as it is beautiful—perfect for entertaining, family life, or simply enjoying the sunset over the canyon.

Hillside Integration: Terraces, Spas, and Infinity Pools
Moving down the slope, the design becomes increasingly experiential. A sequence of cantilevered terraces, lookouts, and lounge zones connects the upper yard to two separate infinity-edge water features—including a lap pool and a hovering spa reached by a catwalk.

These elements dissolve the boundary between built and natural, creating a series of outdoor rooms that float within the landscape.

Ecological Stewardship & Resilience
Fire-conscious planting design was central to this project. Carefully selected species are arranged to provide beauty, erosion control, and defensible space. New retaining walls and screens stabilize the slope while integrating naturally with preserved oaks and existing landforms.

We designed with the future in mind—this landscape is as resilient as it is refined.

Private Retreats & Sculptural Additions
Secluded moments abound throughout the property: