Alta Houses

The project consists of 16 independent sections planned in eight parcels within three building blocks. Five of the eight parcels in different locations and sizes are located within the same building block. The client asked us to design twin houses on the parcels, each about 600 square meters, and that they have a common architectural language.

For this purpose, we analyzed the data from the eight parcels regarding the building design and found the points where they could agree and differ from each other. We divided the buildings into two symmetrical parts on a 120 square-meter floor area and a 120 square-meter upper floor area excluding the basement. We reached 16 independent sections in eight buildings.

In the planning stage, we strove to ensure optimum space utilization and spatial relation. In the third dimension, our main project goal was forming a balanced composition through the relations of the masses consisting of closed and open spaces. A contemporary, plain, and relaxed style was used in the design of the buildings; non-functional decorative items were especially avoided.

Each building was created with two main masses separated from each other by aluminum frames and transparent glass surfaces as well as horizontal and vertical architectural elements integrated into different heights and sizes. The main mass features a hall on the ground floor and two bedrooms on the upper floor. The facade of this mass is completely transparent while the outer coating consists of natural stone. The facade’s transparency is balanced by the horizontal terrace slab, the horizontally rectangular balcony cantilever upstairs, and vertical wall elements defining the independent sections.

The other mass, which has more closed sides than the main mass, featured a kitchen and powder room on the ground floor, and a master bedroom and bathrooms on the upper floor. This mass, painted white over plaster, is connected to aluminum frames and transparent glass continued on the main mass over the two floors. The effect of this mass, which also features entries to the independent sections on the rear facades, is alleviated by the horizontal flower bed elements on the first floor, the horizontal, partial eaves elements on the roof level and, similarly, the vertical wooden elements emphasizing the independent sections on the rear facade.

When determining the materials to be used on the facade, we were careful to make sure that our selections suited Çeşme's climate and environmental conditions, texture and color reflected the intended use of the building and gave comfort to occupants. We preferred a dark color for the aluminum frames and roofing to create a contrast with the light color concentrated in both the natural stone and painted surfaces.