The Cresta | San Diego, California | 2013 

Architects: Jonathan Segal
Client: Jonathan Segal
General Contractor: Jonathan Segal
Photographers: Matthew Segal

The Cresta is an energy neutral 5,300 square foot single-family residence designed and constructed entirely out of cast in place concrete on a 5,000 sq ft lot in La Jolla, CA . The house’s three stories, one below and two above grade are accented by floor to ceiling glass and large open expanses to the outdoors. Due to the unordinary small property in an area which typical adjacent properties are three to four times the size, every square foot was important. The delicate roof forms an exterior private courtyard space although the buildings overall form is kept intact. The front of the structure and along the living areas feature a reflecting and swimming pool have been integrated into the overall design of the project for thermal cooling and create the perception of floating. Due to the large expanses of operable glass, the thermal mass of the concrete, sun shading and the insulating effect of the pool the 6.5kw solar array on the roof accomplishes supplying 100% of the homes required power.