Hillcrest II | Estate Living, Reconstructed
La Cañada, California
Hillcrest II transforms an already established hillside property through strategic renovation—modernizing key elements while creating a more cohesive and livable estate environment in La Cañada.
Rather than starting over, this project focuses on refinement. The goal was to retain the underlying structure of the property while upgrading its materials, spatial relationships, and day-to-day usability—bringing the landscape into alignment with the home’s transitional interior renovation.
The design responds directly to the constraints of hillside construction—grading limitations, structural dependencies, and access—by prioritizing selective renovation over full reconstruction.
Pool Renovation & Terrace Redefinition
At the center of the project is the complete renovation of the existing infinity-edge pool, retained within its original footprint to avoid introducing new structural loads and permitting complexity on the hillside.
The pool structure has been modernized through updated finishes, refined detailing, and improved integration with the surrounding terrace. A new sunken fire lounge introduces a strong central axis—linking the home to the water and creating a primary gathering space that is both intimate and visually anchored.
Flanking this, the terrace has been reworked to include:
- Expanded lounge zones
- A reconfigured outdoor kitchen
- A dining terrace directly connected to raised garden beds
This level now functions as a cohesive, highly usable outdoor living platform.
Renovated infinity-edge pool and central fire lounge anchoring the main terrace
Outdoor Living & Productive Landscape
A defining shift in Hillcrest II is the integration of productive landscape into the social core of the property.
Raised planting beds sit adjacent to the dining area, creating a direct relationship between cultivation and use. This reinforces a more grounded, lifestyle-driven approach—where the landscape is not just viewed, but actively engaged.
Outdoor kitchen and dining integrated with productive garden beds
Lower Level: Greenhouse & Garden System
Below the main terrace, the hillside has been restructured into a layered garden environment.
Three greenhouse structures anchor this level—conceived as a coordinated system rather than standalone elements—supporting plant propagation, seasonal flexibility, and long-term use. These are paired with secondary lounge areas and circulation paths that weave through planting, creating a quieter and more immersive experience.
This level is less about spectacle and more about depth—offering a functional extension of the upper terrace rather than a separate destination.
Three greenhouse structures organized as a cohesive garden system
Materials, Detailing & Architectural Alignment
The project is defined as much by its detailing as its layout, with material upgrades used to reconcile the architectural language of the home with its landscape setting.
- Hardscape materials have been fully updated
- Railings have been refined for a cleaner, more contemporary profile
- Existing columns and architectural elements have been reworked
- Lighting has been integrated to support both function and atmosphere
- Planting has been recalibrated to support a transitional aesthetic
These moves collectively shift the property toward a more tailored, transitional landscape language.
Updated materials and detailing aligned with the home’s transitional interiors
Design Insight
Retaining and upgrading existing structural elements is often the most effective strategy on hillside properties. At Hillcrest II, preserving the pool structure and primary terraces avoided unnecessary excavation and structural intervention, allowing investment to be focused on material quality, spatial refinement, and long-term performance.
Transitional Estate
Hillcrest II ultimately resolves a key tension in the property—the contrast between a Cape Cod-style exterior and a more contemporary interior direction.
Through careful material selection, spatial refinement, and planting strategy, the landscape now bridges that gap—creating a cohesive environment that feels intentional at every level.
This is a study in refinement—where renovation, not replacement, delivers a more complete and livable landscape experience.
Explore the full gallery and see how hillcrest II reshapes the property from the ground up.