Architects Create Unique Structures for Sukkot Festival at Former Ecke Ranch

Local architects and builders created three unique, environmentally responsible huts as part of a Sukkot festival Sunday at the Leichtag Foundation's property on the former Ecke Ranch.

Sukkot, a Hebrew word meaning "booths" or "huts," refers to the Jewish festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest. It also commemorates the 40 years of Jewish wandering in the desert. Many Jews celebrate the holiday by building temporary huts, or sukkahs.


Approximately 800 people attended the event, inspecting each sukkah, sampling local farm-to-table cuisine and listening to live music. Encinitas city council member Tony Kranz, who recently visited Israel, welcomed the crowd.

"Sukkah Water" was created from former shipping pallets by a team from the NewSchool of Architecture + Design in San Diego.

"Sukkah Light" was designed by David Kramer of Oakhurst Builders and Pablo Collin of Austin Veum Robbins Partners.

"Sukkah Earth" was created by Daron Joffe of Farmer D Organics and Kurt Buxton of Valley Crest Design Group. The walls were made of living lettuce from Go Green Agriculture, which raises the lettuce using hydroponic techniques on the former Ecke Ranch property.

During the festival, attendees were encouraged to vote for their favorite of the three structures. The tally is online, and Sukkah Water is in the lead.

The Leichtag Foundation purchased the Ecke Ranch property in 2012 to create a cultural and community resource for the San Diego region and the Jewish community.