Haus Laminae

Egemen Karakaya

• Architects

Haus Laminae is located in the Paşalimanı area of Çeşme, İzmir, on a site where gradients reach 30 percent. Positioned above the road level, the project treats this steep topography as an architectural opportunity rather than a disadvantage, developing an organization that maximizes the potential of the slope.

photo_credit Egemen Karakaya — Egemen Karakaya

The concept of the “laminated house” emerged from the multi-generational living scenarios defined in the client's brief. The structure was designed to accommodate a couple, their two married children with families, and their mother, alongside frequent guests. The spatial organization offers a flexible framework that supports both large family gatherings and more intimate daily use.

Accordingly, while the main social hub is located at the pool level, a secondary living area and kitchen were designed on the roof level for quieter moments. To maximize floor heights in the lower levels, the roof floor was planned with a lower profile; however, the exposed roof structure transforms this into a voluminous and airy atmosphere that strengthens the relationship with the landscape. The balcony in front of the upper lounge extends towards the view like a "captain's bridge," creating a powerful spatial gesture.

The façade design negotiates between transparency and privacy through a layered system of openings. In the master bedroom, a custom-designed façade system ensures privacy from external views while maintaining an uninterrupted vista of the sea when looking forward. On the front terrace, visual interaction with the neighboring plot is filtered through a designed green wall.

The landscape design prioritizes uninterrupted views. Only a palm tree is used in the front garden to avoid blocking sightlines, while an olive tree in the ground floor garden was preserved and integrated into the core of the design. Visible from the grandmother's room, this tree reinforces the natural character of the house.

The swimming pool in the front garden is conceived as a water element integrated with the terrace. Despite the limited area, it provides a functional scale for a seaside plot while leaving open space for a breathing garden. Large-format, slip-resistant ceramic tiles extend from the terraces into the pool, establishing a strong continuity between interior and exterior. A linear planter and an integrated waterfall along the retaining wall introduce horizontal balance, movement, and sound to the outdoor space.

Inside, the design ensures that all living areas benefit from maximum natural light and views. Even the rear bedrooms maintain a connection with the sea through bay-like projections, allowing the maritime atmosphere to be felt throughout the house. One of the mid-level bedrooms features an open-plan layout facing the sea, while the other opens onto a private garden created by the level difference.

This garden also serves the skylights that provide natural light and ventilation to the basement-level bathrooms. Direct access from the parking level allows entry to the garden, terrace, and kitchen without passing through the main house.

The interior design is defined by a restrained material palette of two ceramic types, a single tone of natural wood veneer, and one lacquer color. 120x280 cm ceramic tiles extend across the ground floor and into the kitchen cabinetry, creating a seamless material language. Brushed light oak veneer adds warmth to common areas, while light-toned lacquer distinguishes the bedrooms. Reflective wallpapers behind mirrors in guest WCs introduce a subtle contrast within this consistent system.

The central staircase acts as the primary architectural element organizing vertical circulation. Finished in oak tones consistent with the overall palette, it continues into the secondary bedrooms, while a lighter wood tone distinguishes the master bedroom. At the basement level, terrazzo flooring extends into the first steps of the staircase, creating a fluid transition between materials and levels.