Crestwood Hills Residence

Crestwood Hills Residence, completed by Nonzero Architecture in 2011, is situated in the Crestwood Hills neighborhood of Brentwood, Los Angeles. Strict local guidelines in this area support a legacy of mid-century rustic modernism, with an emphasis on modest massing and preservation of natural views. The project occupies a down-slope site, and in response, adopts a one-story elevation from the street to maintain a low visual profile, aligning the home's scale with its historic context. The orientation and placement of volumes were chosen to retain openness to the landscape while addressing privacy and regulatory constraints. The main living spaces are arranged within a large, glass-enclosed volume oriented to maximize canyon and shoreline views. Floor-to-ceiling glazing is paired with opaque Red Balau wood cladding, high-performance glass framed in steel and aluminum, and environmentally responsive detailing such as solar panels and broad roof overhangs. Interior spaces—including the living room, dining room, and kitchen—are unified in an open-plan layout that extends to a deck via folding glass walls. Clerestory windows supply additional daylight, while built-in mahogany cabinetry and a rotating shelf wall provide both function and warmth. The design carefully frames exterior vistas and integrates sustainable measures, melding privacy, openness, and efficiency.