. KÖY: A Contemporary Interpretation of Village

"Köy" means village in Turkish. It refers to a small rural settlement, larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town. This masterplan and architectural project reimagines village life on a 46,500m² site in Reisdere, İzmir. The settlement layout is designed to create an authentic village atmosphere. Inspired by the historical evolution of village houses in the area, the design respects traditional spatial arrangements while adapting them to modern needs.

The architectural approach reflects the way local villages and small towns have shaped the idea of "home." Functional layouts are based on familiar residential patterns, ensuring spaces feel natural and intuitive. Materials and construction techniques are chosen to align with the regional context while meeting contemporary standards of durability and sustainability. The result is a thoughtfully designed environment that respects tradition while offering a modern, practical, and comfortable way of living.

The design of the buildings draws inspiration from traditional village houses, using locally influenced materials stone walls, wood, and metal roofing. However, rather than directly replicating the region's architecture, the project blends traditional Mediterranean elements with a contemporary approach to meet the client's expectations. Each house is designed to feel authentic yet distinct, avoiding uniform repetition. The layout reflects an organic growth pattern, with variations that suggest influences from different periods, creating a sense of history and evolution within the village.

Although inspired by village houses, the project is tailored for a high-income group seeking summer residences. The architecture balances thematic and modern design, offering high-quality living spaces that connect with the surrounding landscape. Interiors are designed to provide a sense of openness while maintaining privacy, ensuring a harmonious blend of comfort and authenticity. The result is a sophisticated interpretation of village life, where tradition and contemporary luxury come together in a distinctive Mediterranean setting.

The material palette draws inspiration from the local architectural vernacular, combining traditional elements with contemporary applications. Natural stone features prominently, with travertine and limestone providing elegant flooring solutions, while rustic stone wall cladding adds textural depth. The outdoor spaces incorporate granite or basalt cobblestone paving, creating a connection to the region's historic streetscapes. Olive and bougainvillea trees take center stage alongside cypress trees, reinforcing a distinctly Aegean character. These are complemented by fragrant plantings such as lavender, rosemary, and sage, which enhance the landscape with their rich textures and seasonal blooms.

Wood elements appear throughout in varying finishes, from light natural tones to warm beige hues, adding warmth and organic character to both interior and exterior spaces. The distinctive colorful wood shutters, a signature of the local architectural tradition, provide both functional shade and a strong visual identity to the facade. Metal roof claddings offer a contemporary contrast, while pastel-colored plaster brings a Mediterranean warmth to selected wall surfaces. This carefully curated collection of materials fosters a harmonious dialogue between tradition and innovation, respecting the regional context while meeting modern performance requirements.

The traditional styled villas blend Mediterranean heritage with modern comfort. These homes feature characteristic arched openings and natural stone elements while incorporating contemporary living standards. The structure balances solidity and transparency through stone-clad walls alongside expansive glazing. A restrained material palette of textured plaster, local stone, and wood creates visual coherence and connects to the landscape. The centerpiece swimming pool serves as both visual anchor and climate moderator. Thoughtful landscaping integrates drought-tolerant Mediterranean species including lavender, cypress, and olive trees. Indoor-outdoor living is prioritized through a seamless transition between spaces. Natural light penetrates deeply through strategically placed openings, while louvered screens provide necessary shade during intense summer heat.

The contemporary styled villas present a more distinctly contemporary architectural approach while maintaining Mediterranean sensibilities. The design employs clean horizontal lines and dramatic overhangs, providing natural shade and defining outdoor living spaces. The facade combines textured concrete surfaces with warm wood cladding and extensive glazing, establishing a balanced material palette. Sliding glass walls dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, promoting seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Landscaping integrates native Mediterranean species with strategic placement of cypress trees and lavender, softening the geometric architecture. Contemporary villas achieve luxury through simplicity and proportion, offering modern living with regional character.

At the highest point of the village, the project features a private mansion belonging to the client. Spanning over 3,700 m², this majestic residence includes multiple functions within a single structure. The main challenge was integrating such a large-scale building into the overall settlement without disrupting its character. Unlike this project, the İzmir and Aegean regions have no historical precedent for residential buildings of this scale. Traditional homes in the area are compact and modest, making the adaptation of regional architectural elements to a structure of this magnitude particularly complex.To soften the visual impact of the mansion, a series of architectural and landscape strategies were employed.

Variations in elevation, shifts in massing, and carefully considered material transitions help the building blend into its surroundings. Additionally, the landscape design plays a key role in integrating the structure, using natural elements to break down its scale and create a more harmonious relationship with the village setting. Traditional architectural details were selectively incorporated in a way that respects the essence of local heritage while aligning with the mansion’s scale and contemporary needs. This approach ensures that the residence remains connected to the village fabric, creating a balance between grandeur and contextual harmony.