Next Level Kemer | Aysel Serbetci

Located in Kemerburgaz, a district in the northern part of Istanbul that has largely preserved its natural fabric, Next Level Kemer redefines urban living by harmonizing it with nature. The project site is bordered on the north, south, and west by the Kemerburgaz Urban Forest. The layout respects the existing topography, aiming for both visual and physical integration with the forest.

 Taking advantage of the land’s natural elevation, the project is designed in stepped layers from west to east, ensuring each unit benefits from optimal sunlight, natural ventilation, and unobstructed views. As a result, both visual and environmental sustainability principles are prioritized.

🌿 Architectural Approach: Grounded and Human-Centered Design

 • Minimal intervention to the land through a stepped layout sensitive to the terrain

• Architectural concepts inspired by biophilic design, placing nature at the heart of spatial experience

• Flowing corner details with organic forms reflecting the fluidity of nature

• A palette of materials aligned with natural color tones

• Building orientations that maximize daylight and avoid blocking each other’s view and light

 🏘️ Perimetric Layout: Spatial Continuity and a Sense of Community

 The building blocks are positioned along the perimeter of the plot, creating a protected, semi-open courtyard in the interior. This layout increases the façade length of each unit facing the forest while designing porous green areas within the courtyard that support community living.

 As the forest texture permeates the gaps between buildings and converges in the center, it offers not only a scenic view but also evokes the feeling that life itself is part of nature. The central void enhances both light and air circulation, acting as a spatial interface that encourages social interaction.

 💬 “Is This a Wall?” – The Design Response

 At first glance, the linear layout may give the impression of a “wall effect,” yet:

• Ground floors designed with high permeability

• Vertical and horizontal pedestrian axes

• Controlled voids opening toward the view

• And building boundaries integrated with landscaping

Together, these transform the structure from a barrier into a breathable, porous edge. This approach treats the threshold between the urban and natural fabric as a living, evolving ecosystem.

❤️ The Heart of the Project: The Courtyard and the Social Void

 Positioned at the center of the courtyard, the social facility is not a standalone structure but designed as a “void” beneath the landscape. This ensures uninterrupted green continuity while maintaining access to social areas and preserving the permeability between public spaces and nature.

 The courtyard:

• Offers public gathering spaces for all age groups

• Hosts micro-community zones to strengthen neighborly ties

• Blends landscaping with spatial experience, drawing users into the center

 🌟 Life Flows Differently at Next Level

 Next Level Kemer is not just a residential project—it represents a contemporary lifestyle defined by a strong connection to its site. Rather than using nature as a passive backdrop, the project integrates it as an active component, aiming to deliver not only aesthetic value but also a vision centered on quality of life.