Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
Bosphorus Residential House
by Ayse Kubilay
- A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Architect Ayse Kubilay
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 22,453
- Verification code C70B8E34EC · Verify this award
About Bosphorus Residential House
Bosphorus is a residential interior design project for a house overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul. The building dates from the 1990s and has been fully renovated, keeping only the columns, beams and load bearing systems. The new layout spans three floors and connects each room to the next, with open spaces and natural light. Two living rooms separate family gatherings from guest occasions. A cinema room, a gym and guest suites are also included. Marble, glass, wood and stone create a calm and lasting interior.
Within the distinguished tradition of contemporary residential design that honors material authenticity while embracing technological innovation, Ayse Kubilay's Bosphorus Residential House emerges as a meditation on the dialogue between geological permanence and crafted warmth. The designer demonstrates remarkable facility in orchestrating what might be termed a symphonic material palette, where the honeyed depth of walnut millwork finds its counterpoint in the cool mineral authority of emperador marble, unified through the warm metallic voice of brushed brass appointments. The stepped platform configuration represents more than mere level change; it establishes a processional sequence reminiscent of historical Mediterranean domestic architecture, where elevation carried social and ceremonial significance. Technical accomplishment appears throughout, from the precision of the concealed linear illumination that transforms each riser into a luminous horizontal band, to the seamless joinery of the timber ceiling plane that hovers above the stone surfaces below. The book-matched marble feature wall merits particular attention, its ferrous veining creating patterns suggestive of abstract expressionist gesture or geological strata revealed through deep time, transformed here into a backdrop for intimate domestic ritual at the bar zone. The illuminated display niches introduce a curatorial dimension, their warm Venetian red backing intensifying the visual presence of each selected object while creating rhythmic punctuation within the timber expanse. One notes how the designer has balanced masculine monumentality with refined domestic scale, the massive material presence tempered by the delicate brass balustrade, the human-scaled seating, and the intimate lighting that invites close approach rather than distanced admiration. The reflective floor plane multiplies the luminous effects while grounding the entire composition in polished sophistication. Viewers might consider how this interior negotiates the contemporary desire for authenticity through natural materials with the equally strong impulse toward technological refinement and controlled atmospheric effect.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Located in a perfect spot overlooking the Istanbul Bosphorus, this house initially built in 1990’s, has been returned to its roots with Architect Ayse Kubilay's renovation project prioritizing client’s objectives and the comforts of contemporary lifestyle. It is distinguished by an atmosphere of tranquility with a luxurious allure, a place of refuge in the city. Ayse Kubilay's interior design project emphasizes open spaces and natural light, creating an environment that feels expansive and inviting. Entrance of the home its like a filter that transports guests from the pulsating heart of Istanbul into a refined and sophisticated oasis. Spanning over three floors, Bosphours house has two different living rooms, one for invitations and one for family gatherings. Ground floor is reserved for family gatherings, while the entry floor is designed as invitation spaces with living and dining areas. Both floors are opening up to a breathtaking Bosphorus sea view. Ground floor is meeting with the garden and infinity pool at the outdoor living area. There is also a cinema room, a gym and a guest bedroom suite on the ground floor. The third floor is reserved to the bedrooms. Master bedroom has a generous area designed with dressing room, bathroom and a private large terrace with a view.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The house is located on a hill that has characterized the layout of the plan. The interior design aims to create a tranquil and spacious living space in an area shaped by the differences in elevation. The 1000sqm indoor and 2000 sqm outdoor living area has been designed meticulously to offer residents a unique living experience.
- Tags
- interior design, residential design, villa design, contemporary interiors, luxury home
- Production Technology
- We stripped down the interiors, only keeping the column, beam and carrier systems. The layout plan is meticulously designed to prioritize flow and accessibility, ensuring that each room seamlessly connects to the next while offering stunning views from every angle. The project offers functional spaces and additional to its user centric design the interiors strike a balance between luxury and moderation. Innovative use of materials, such as marble, glass and sustainable woods, enhances the sense of transparency and connection with outdoors.
- Design Challenge
- The house had a heavy atmosphere characterized by classical decoration elements dating back to 90's. Stripping down the interiors, only keeping the column, beam and carrier systems and changing the layout plan of the house was a challenge. We re-designed the plan meticulously to prioritize flow and accessibility, ensuring that each room seamlessly connects to the next while offering stunning views from every angle.
- Project Duration
- The Bosphorus House project started at the end of 2023 in Istanbul, finished in May 2024. It has been published in Maison Francaise interior design and decoration magazine.
- Operation Flow
- Architect Ayse Kubilay is known mostly with its hotel and restaurant projects. While creating this project, i had an approach like we are designing a small resort hotel. It has all the functions a living complex can offer; cinema room, a gym, a game room, guest suites with private bathrooms, an executive suite for the owners, two different kitchens, four different lounging areas, two different dining areas and also open living areas in the garden offers different functions.
- Research
- We have renovated a 1990s building into a contemporary residence. In our new material decisions we preferred to use sustainable products. We used natural materials like wood, marble and stone. The residence was completed with an energy efficient innovative smart home technology.
- Inspiration
- The concept is expressed through an interior design that embraces a range of influences from the historical Istanbul and mid century style seamlessly blending with contemporary design. Characterized by the contrasts and exquisite combination of different materials the project has been realized with a design approach that will stand the test of time. The house stands out with its identity that respects its past and does not compromise on the parameters of tomorrow while meeting today's needs.
- Image Credits
- all photos Ibrahim Ozbunar/645 Studio
Colors of Bosphorus Residential House
Get Bosphorus Residential House
Hospitality and Luxury Residential Design Services
We bring over 20 years of expertise designing for international hotel chains and luxury residences. Our integrated approach combines architecture, interiors, and experience design to create sophisticated spaces that honor local culture while embracing contemporary lifestyles and innovation.
G0E3 Shop