The Bodrum Residence: Vernacular Modernism
Project Stats
Location: Bodrum, Turkey
Year: 2015
Role: Lead Design & Construction Management (Project designed while acting as Architect at ARTU Mimarlik)
Key Features: Local Stone Masonry, Infinity Pool, Vaulted Ceilings, Custom Joinery.
The Context: Rooted in the Landscape Located on the rugged hills of Bodrum, this private residence was designed not to sit on the landscape, but to emerge from it. The site presented a steep, rocky topography with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. The design challenge was to create a modern luxury home that respected the local vernacular without falling into traditional pastiche.
The Design Solution: Stone and Light The architecture is defined by a dialogue between heavy and light elements.
The Stone Base: We utilized local Bodrum stone for the primary massing. This anchors the home to the earth, mimicking the rocky terrain and providing thermal mass against the Mediterranean heat.
The Modern Arch: A contemporary interpretation of the traditional arch creates a transitional space between the pool deck and the interior, framing the sea views while providing essential shading.
Interior Volume: Inside, the ceiling creates a sculptural moment. A sweeping white barrel vault softens the geometry of the room, diffusing light from the round occulus window and creating a sense of airy, cavernous volume.
Materiality & Craft Consistent with the studio’s philosophy, the material palette was chosen for longevity and tactility.
Polished Concrete: The floors are poured polished concrete, providing a cool, seamless surface that connects the kitchen, living, and dining areas.
Custom Millwork: The kitchen and built-in workstations were designed and fabricated to merge with the architecture, using warm walnut tones to contrast the cool white plaster and concrete.
Indoor-Outdoor Living: Large-format sliding glazing dissolves the boundary between the living room and the covered timber-slatted terrace, effectively doubling the living space during the summer months.