PH7800 | MAS

Conceived as a living space for an art collector and their family in the coastal province of Cesme, the project consists of a two-story house organized around a series of porous, open-plan living spaces, exterior terraces and a central atrium that seeks to amplify the presence of the exterior within the interior. Situated on the top two floors of an existing residential structure facing the windy seaside panorama of Ilica Beach to the north and the sunny, lush Aegean hillside landscape to the south, the house acts as a canvas that provides a diversity of living spaces, views and atmospheres that fluctuate along with the circadian and seasonal cycles of its natural surroundings.

The design approach is characterized by simple volumetric gestures that curate one’s experience with specific architectural elements and views while moving through the spaces. The entry leads into a central atrium, an eight-meter-high volume framed by arcades on either side of the lower floor and a large roof skylight above. Standing in the heart of the atrium provides a simultaneous experience of the different tonalities and qualities of light from the panoramic northern sea-front, the warm southern hillscape and clear blue tones of the Aegean Sky.

On the lower level, the north living space features an open plan layout with comfortable seating elements, display walls on either side and a fully glazed façade with sliding doors opening up to the panoramic terrace facing the sea. The spiral stair leading to the upper floor is located at the rear side of the living space, beckoning the viewer to face out before moving up into the hall surrounding the atrium. The interior is conceived as an extension of the exterior, with fully operable sliding doors allowing cooling breezes into the house on warm summer days.

In contrast, the south living space, defined by a warmer light and southern exposure, is conceptualized as a more intimate area with an open kitchen, breakfast counter and a comfortable seating area facing a 

fireplace and media wall. Surrounded by the exterior terrace on two sides, this area is conceived as a living space to enjoy on late summer morning or afternoons, as well as on cooler winter days when southern exposure is desirable for warmth. The southern terrace features an outdoor dining and a shaded lounge area.

On the upper level, four bedrooms with individual bathrooms and a laundry area can be accessed via the hallway wrapping around the central atrium. The hallway is conceived as an interstitial space with a series of openings looking into the atrium and out to the exterior, creating a depth of experience that animates the void through space and time. A winding semicircular stair projects into the atrium to connect the upper floor to the roof terrace, allowing one to experience the void directly while ascending toward the skylight.

By opting for a neutral, restrained palette, the project seeks to perform as a spatial kaleidoscope that invites the changing aura of the outdoors to the interior. Light grey polyurethane floors and whitewashed walls emphasize spatial continuity and enhance the experience of natural light, and atmosphere within. 

Team: Kerim Miskavi, Betul Ay, Aysecan Ugur
 
Photography: Egemen Karakaya