The Asma Bahceler Residences are made of up of a total of 98 units that are arranged along 8 terraces located on a distinctive hillside in the Narlidere district of Izmir, Turkey. Ranging from 60 m2 to 400 m2, the residences are comprised of 3+1 duplex villas, 2+1 villas, and 3+1, 2+1, and 1+1 apartments.
The challenge of designing on a steep hill coupled with the natural beauty and textures that surround the site, which consist of an impressive view of the Bay of Izmir on one side and the lush forests on the other, were the main sources of inspiration during the design process.
Placed along the natural curves of the hillside, the villas and apartments are aimed to integrate to the natural topography of the site with a minimum amount of intervention and are positioned so as not to obstruct the sea view or forest view of the other. With these distinctively landscaped terraces, as with its name, the Asma Bahceler Residences were designed to appear as ‘hanging gardens.’
The overall design of the residential complex is based on the intricate combination of the ideas of modularity, spatial variety, and terracing. The idea of modularity and terracing provide for a very dynamic and unique façade while creating a sense of directional movement drawing residents and visitors to move both vertically through the strategically placed stairs and elevators and horizontally along with winding paths of each terrace.
With this new housing typology, the linear configuration and spatial arrangements of the units allow for the comforts of a private home in a multi-family residential complex. Each unit is placed at different angles, creating a variety of vistas and a sense of privacy thus providing a fresh and innovative perspective in the reinterpretation of the existing residential typology within a dense urban fabric.
Materiality also plays a key role the overall design of the housing complex. Using warmer tones of materials such as brick and stone to contrast with the cooler tones of the surrounding natural elements creates an inviting atmosphere.
With its innovative and unconventional approach, the Asma Bahceler Residences project provides an alternative housing solution to the increasing demands of a growing population in the city of Izmir, Turkey.
