Iron Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2024
Istanbul Gokturk Villa
by Aynur Kirduk
- A' Design Award 2024 Iron Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Aynur Kirduk Concept Design Ic Mimarlik
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 16,015
- Verification code BF4642E071 · Verify this award
About Istanbul Gokturk Villa
This design uniquely blends Town-style traditional charm with modern luxury, marrying quaint elegance with bold, contemporary aesthetics. The exterior pays homage to Kasaba architecture, setting the stage for an avant-garde interior. It showcases a harmonious blend of past and future, utilizing light, space, and materials to create refined opulence. This project redefines luxury while honoring cultural roots, aiming to transcend cultural boundaries and highlight the universality of thoughtful design and innovation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This study delves into the design of a villa in Istanbul, emphasizing its spacious entrance, living room with cinema and hobby areas, and meticulously planned upper floor with a master and guest bedroom, each thoughtfully furnished. The basement boasts a large salon for leisure activities, including a gym and a bar area, alongside practical spaces like an additional bedroom, laundry room, and storage, all crafted to enhance living comfort and functionality.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 450 square meter, three-story residence featuring 2 living rooms and 7 bedrooms.
- Tags
- Interior Space, Interior Design, House, Decoration, Architecture, Furniture
- Production Technology
- In the project's decor, a preference for durable natural materials was prioritized for key pieces, with bolder choices in small items and artworks. The residence's floors utilize natural grained oak, while outdoor areas feature Iroko wood for its resilience and aesthetic appeal. Woodwork throughout showcases natural milled oak veneers and lacquer, with marble selected for its elegance. Custom-designed furniture was produced in specialized workshops, ensuring design coherence and quality. The interior combines neutral, calming greys with contemporary forms, accented by vibrant furniture colors and dynamic art pieces to create an engaging atmosphere. Bronze metal finishes in furniture details add sophistication, reflecting a commitment to quality and natural beauty in the design.
- Design Challenge
- The greatest challenge encountered during the restoration of the villa was the complex issues arising from the current state of the structure, which has a history of over 40 years. Specifically, the water leakage from the roof and walls, along with the dampness in the floors, posed significant obstacles during the renovation process. This situation led to damage to wall coverings and parquets, and even resulted in mold formation. Furthermore, there was decay in the wooden joinery on the house's exterior facade, with some parts at risk of falling. Before implementing the project, it was necessary to repair and renew the wooden joinery on the exterior facade, in addition to addressing the plumbing, general insulation, and isolation works. These renewal and renovation tasks were carried out meticulously, staying true to the original details. This entire process extended the delivery of the project beyond the planned timeline; however, overcoming these challenges ensured the project's success and revitalized the villa.
- Project Duration
- The project started in February 2022 in Istanbul and finished in August 2022 in Istanbul.
- Operation Flow
- The entrance of the villa embraces the visitor with a choice of yellow fabric for the bench and an artwork on the wall. This selection aims to create a warm welcome at the entrance of the home. In the living room, aside from general lighting, ceiling light wells allow the user to adjust the intensity of light to their preference, enabling a balance of illumination according to the user's mood. Additionally, wall sconces and floor lamps, which also enrich the decoration, were utilized. The placement of a floor lamp in the fireplace corner of the living room aims to provide the user with a comfortable and enjoyable space for relaxation and reading. The bar corner located in the basement creates a pleasant area for the user to socialize.
- Research
- This study focuses on a villa constructed with a town concept in Istanbul, specifically addressing its interior and garden design comprehensively. The primary objective of the project is to integrate modern elements with elegant and luxurious details to create a warm, inviting, and functional living space. The research method involved a detailed examination of the villa's architectural features and geographic location, followed by extensive discussions with the homeowners to gain in-depth insights into their lifestyles and needs. Based on the preferences and requirements of the homeowners, the design style and strategies were determined. As a result, an interior design that enhances the quality of life, satisfying both functional and aesthetic needs, was developed. The research aims to offer an innovative perspective while expanding the perception of living spaces within society. Moreover, it is designed to respect the local architectural texture while meeting the demands of contemporary life.
- Inspiration
- The design is inspired by the integration of the house's natural surroundings, aiming to blend outdoor tranquility with interior spaces. Its integration with nature was the primary inspiration for the design. The necessity to incorporate details and colors that could seamlessly connect the outdoor space with the interior spurred the concept of bringing outdoor serenity indoors. The alignment of priorities with the homeowners, who had a clear vision for their living spaces, further facilitated the design process. In this project, The traditional allure of town-style architecture has been flawlessly merged with the sophisticated elegance of modern luxury, drawing inspiration from the natural setting and the shared visions of the homeowners.
Colors of Istanbul Gokturk Villa
Grand Interview about Istanbul Gokturk Villa
My goal was to preserve the villa’s original town-style character while adapting it to contemporary lifestyles. Rather than competing with the existing architecture, I sought to enhance it through refined materials, balanced proportions, and elegant details. By respecting the local architectural language and integrating modern comforts, I created a living environment that feels both authentic and contemporary.
I consider light one of the most important elements in shaping the emotional experience of a space. Inspired by the villa’s natural surroundings, I aimed to maximize daylight penetration and strengthen the connection between interior and exterior spaces. Adjustable lighting layers, ceiling light wells, sconces, and floor lamps allow users to adapt the atmosphere according to different moods and activities throughout the day.
The renovation required solving significant technical issues before any design intervention could begin. Water leakage, humidity, damaged finishes, and deteriorated exterior woodwork had to be carefully addressed. These challenges reinforced my commitment to selecting durable, long-lasting materials and creating solutions that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically reliable and sustainable over time.
Material selection was guided by the desire to create warmth, elegance, and longevity. Natural grained oak brings a sense of authenticity and comfort, while bronze accents add sophistication and depth. Together with marble surfaces and carefully crafted custom furniture, these materials establish a timeless atmosphere that reflects both the architectural character of the villa and the lifestyle of its owners.
The basement was designed as an extension of the home rather than a separate functional zone. By integrating leisure, wellness, and social activities within a coherent design language, I created spaces that encourage interaction while maintaining visual continuity with the upper floors. The gym, bar, and lounge areas provide flexibility and comfort without compromising the villa’s refined character.
I believe the entrance sets the emotional tone for the entire home. The yellow bench was intentionally selected to introduce warmth, energy, and a welcoming atmosphere from the very first moment. Combined with the artwork, it creates a memorable focal point that reflects the personality of the interior and invites visitors into a carefully curated spatial journey.
For me, successful restoration is about creating a dialogue between past and present. I carefully preserved architectural details that contributed to the villa’s identity while introducing contemporary solutions that improve functionality and comfort. This approach allowed the house to retain its original spirit while meeting the expectations and needs of modern living.
The planning strategy was based on creating a natural flow between different functions while maintaining a clear hierarchy of spaces. Public, private, and leisure areas were carefully distributed across the three levels to support daily routines and social interaction. Every zone was designed to feel connected yet distinct, enhancing both usability and overall living comfort.
I believe this project demonstrates that traditional architectural character and contemporary luxury can coexist successfully. Rather than replicating historical styles, designers can reinterpret them through modern materials, technologies, and lifestyles. As people increasingly seek homes with identity and authenticity, this balanced approach may inspire more meaningful and context-sensitive residential design solutions.
Understanding the homeowners was a fundamental part of the design process. Through detailed discussions, I gained insight into their routines, priorities, and expectations for everyday living. These conversations guided every major design decision, from spatial organization to material selection. The result is a highly personalized home that supports both functional needs and emotional well-being.