From Past To Future Residence

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The homeowners previously resided in a larger apartment in Emirgan. Over the years, furniture, accessories, and works of art (deemed valuable by the householders) was utilized, and it was desired that these items be incorporated into their new home. With the objective of designing elegant and functional spaces with modern touches, a completely new set of structural materials was employed, and the colors and fabrics of certain furniture pieces

Dimensions & Packaging

This apartment is characterized by a net usable area of 155 square meters. Originally designed by the construction firm as a four plus one unit configuration, it was transformed into a 3.5 room and 1 living room at the request of the homeowners by partitioning the fourth room into a vestiary and a space for laundry. Additionally, an enclosed balcony area overlooking the landscaped zone is incorporated into the design.

Tags

Residence, family house, artistic details, antique and modern, memory space, eclectic design, places with a story

Production Technology

In the corridors and wet areas, marble was selected for its timeless and understated appearance. In the rooms and kitchen, wooden parquet was utilized for its warm and natural texture. In the furniture, a combination of natural wood veneer and lacquered polished finishes was employed to achieve smooth and natural transitions. Wallpaper was applied in various spaces to infuse the place with dynamism, thereby mitigating any sense of stagnation. Crystal chandeliers were integrated with paneled wall details and antique furniture. Porcelain was used on the bathroom and kitchen countertops for its hygienic properties and modern appearance. The soft fabrics utilized on the sofas were enhanced with colorful and patterned cushions. Finally, the decoration was completed with the incorporation of artworks, accessories, and plants.

Design Challenge

Due to the fact that the residence's area was not particularly large relative to the needs and demands, it was required that every square meter be meticulously configured to yield both functional and elegant spaces. It was established as our primary principle to harmonize the desired furniture and accessories with the new designs in order to achieve unity in color and texture. Consequently, a warm home environment, bearing the imprints of both the past and the present, was created.

Research

This residence exhibits an eclectic design in which the cherished mementos accumulated by the homeowners over the years are combined with contemporary modern designs. The piano in the residence was produced in Germany in 1923, the decorative samovar (teapot) in the living room was produced in Russia in 1914, and the chest in the living room (an heirloom passed down from the homeowner’s mother) was produced in Diyarbakır in 1948. Accessories gathered from travels to countries such as China, Indonesia, and America were incorporated, while paintings and prints by both contemporary and traditional Turkish as well as international artists were included.
In this process, the structural spaces and new furniture were designed and implemented with the aim of achieving functionality, aesthetics, and harmony.

Inspiration

It is the motto of Sakura Architecture that spaces imbued with a story are designed. The apartment located in Suadiye is regarded as a warm home, brought to life by its books, accessories, artworks, and furniture. Every detail (from the safe preserved from the householders' academic years in America, to the buffet imported from Singapore, and to the pomegranate painting serving as a symbol of abundance and prosperity) is imbued with a narrative. All the memories accumulated by the inhabitants are revived in this home in conjunction with our designs.

Project Duration

This project was completed in Suadiye, Istanbul, in July 2024.

Operation Flow

In the entrance, corridors, and bathrooms of the residence, black and white marble was employed for the flooring. The black marble on the entrance floor was utilized as both decoration and a border to introduce dynamism. In order to break the tranquility and stillness present in the corridors, black oval tags were chosen for the door transitions. In this manner, unity between the floor and walls was achieved, and by extending the black hue into the living room, overall harmony within the home was ensured. In the living room, a classical and elegant space was created through the use of marquetry parquet flooring, a marble fireplace, wainscoting on the walls, and crystal chandeliers, while the red chosen for the fabrics, accessories, and buffet imparted a dynamic and energetic effect.
In the bathrooms, marble was applied to the floors and wallpaper to the walls, thereby balancing warm and cool materials. While color harmonies were established through the furniture, the patterns of the wallpaper introduced movement to the smaller spaces.
The kitchen was addressed with functional and minimalist furniture. Elegant touches were added to the space through brass details, beveled glass elements, and golden marble veining on the countertop.
In the living room, a modern, striking and dynamic environment was conceived through a circular TV unit and a peach-toned wall color, while a nostalgic reference to bygone times was evoked with the inclusion of an antique piano.

Image Credits

Erhan Tarlıg