The Hillcrest Villas are perched on a steep hillside facing southwest over-looking the southern end of the Valley of the Moon. The design was inspired by the beautiful landscape views all around. The single-acre was already subdivided into four build-able lots with services. The design responds to the natural terrain and preserves the mature oaks on the western side of the property. Other constraints like a 20 foot setback from a winter creek and the street make for a small footprint on the land. Sustainable strategies without adding extra cost combined with the concept of a hillside village became the central idea for this development.
Passive solar systems, sun orientation and solar heated concrete floors keep the house warm in the winter and thick walls, while natural ventilation and recycled steel catwalks and shading devices keep the interior cool without air conditioning.

The integrated passive approach to this design conserves energy while affording over 50% of glass to take advantage of natural light and views to the south, east and west. Color and material textures rendered to blend into the surrounding natural environment soften the modern forms. The main sleeping space connects by bridge to the private green roof top court over the subterranean garage.