Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2026
House of Bohem Beach Club
- A' Design Award 2026 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Nom Architecture
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 15,804
- Verification code 72D05E4505 · Verify this award
About House of Bohem Beach Club
House of Bohem Beach Club is a 2.000 sqm beachfront venue on Alanya's Cleopatra coast, conceived as a fluid, all day destination integrating bistro, beach lounge, fine dining, and event spaces within a unified architectural identity. Rooted in a refined interpretation of bohemian style, the design emphasizes layering, tactile materials, and a relaxed spatial rhythm. Durable detailing, flexible shading systems, and atmospheric lighting enable seamless transitions from day to night while responding to demanding coastal conditions.
Within the evolving discourse surrounding contemporary hospitality design, Muge Alanay Gucuoglu's House of Bohem Beach Club emerges as a thoughtful meditation on the intersection of artisanal craft traditions and modern resort culture, demonstrating how material authenticity can generate spaces of genuine warmth and visual intrigue. The designer appears to engage deeply with biophilic principles, weaving natural materials throughout the spatial composition in ways that suggest both regional vernacular building practices and a sophisticated understanding of contemporary design language. The bamboo-clad ceiling functions simultaneously as acoustic moderator, visual unifier, and cultural signifier, establishing an immediate connection to craft traditions while its linear rhythm creates directional flow through the space. Particularly accomplished is the lighting strategy, wherein multiple handwoven pendant fixtures of varying scales and weave densities create what might be described as a suspended garden of luminous forms, each casting subtly different shadow patterns and warm glows that animate the ceiling plane. The bar counter treatment, featuring circular wood cross-sections arranged in an almost cellular pattern, introduces organic geometry that speaks to natural growth rings and forest ecosystems, inviting contemplation of material origins and sustainable resource use. Color relationships demonstrate exceptional sophistication, with the earth-toned palette creating visual coherence across diverse material expressions while the textile interventions provide calculated chromatic punctuation. The spatial planning balances intimate dining experiences with communal energy, suggesting a designer attuned to the social choreography of resort dining environments. One might observe how the deliberate contrast between the warm material envelope and the cool concrete floor creates a grounded yet inviting atmosphere, while the transparent threshold to the exterior terrace extends the spatial narrative beyond the interior boundaries. How might visitors experience the transition between sheltered intimacy and open-air freedom as they move through this carefully crafted environment?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- House of Bohem is a beachfront hospitality destination located along the Alanya Cleopatra Beach, designed with a bistro, beach lounge, fine dinning and event party venue. Inspired by bohemian cultures and nomadic philosophy, project orchestrates a fluid, all day narrative, seamlessly transitioning from the relaxed informality of a beach lounge to the refined elegance of a fine-dining venue, and into the dynamic energy of evening events and celebrations, all within a unified spatial identity.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- House of Bohem Beach Club Restaurant Bar spans 2,000 sqm, comprising 429 sqm indoor, 500 sqm semi open, and 1,000 sqm beachfront areas. With 50 dining tables, 30 bar seats, and 100 sunbeds, it hosts up to 300 guests. Establishing a strong sense of place along Cleopatra Beach, it operates as more than a restaurant a fluid, all-day destination conceived as a transformative stage for bistro, bar, fine dining, and events.
- Tags
- interior design, beach lounge design, beach club, hospitality design
- Production Technology
- Designed across 2,000 sqm of open, semi open, and enclosed spaces, the venue accommodates 300 guests with 50 dining tables, a 30 seat bar, and 100 sun loungers. Flexible shading areas are offering alternative corners to the guests, while the bar anchors social interaction. As day turns to night, lighting transforms the atmosphere. Rather than a single focal point, the project creates a layered experience, enriched by murals that express its bohemian spirit.
- Design Challenge
- The primary challenge was orchestrating a large-scale venue composed of enclosed, semi-open and open zones, accommodating distinct modes within a unified identity without spatial conflict. All day bistro, fine dining, beach lounge and event settings are designed as a living stage which adapts to the rhythm of its guests. Rather than a single focal point, the project creates a layered experience offering different areas. Harsh coastal conditions such as salt, humidity, wind and heavy use demanded durable detailing and material precision, while the project aimed to establish a strong architectural presence along the shoreline.
- Project Duration
- The project started in February 2023 and finished in May 2023 in Alanya, Turkey.
- Operation Flow
- House of Bohem establishes a strong sense of place along the Cleopatra shoreline, operating as a vibrant, all-day destination rather than solely a restaurant. Its open layout invites the beach inward, setting a new aesthetic benchmark for the coast. A large-scale mural transforms the front into a public visual landmark. Reframing bohemian living as lived experience, the project fosters slower rhythms, tactile engagement, and meaningful social interaction.
- Research
- Prior to the project, coastal building typologies were examined through multi-layered analysis. Climate data, salt exposure, wind, solar orientation and coastal morphology informed durability-driven design decisions. Materials were selected through comparative life cycle assessment. Guest and service circulation were tested via schematic scenarios. Investment and operational costs were evaluated through cost performance analysis.
- Inspiration
- The conceptual departure point for House of Bohem was to merge the free-spirited, tactile essence of bohemian living with the dolce vita of the Mediterranean, establishing a spatial narrative rooted in the nomadic philosophy of slowing down and being present. Guided by the nomadic principles of lightness, portability, layering, craftsmanship and harmony with nature, the project was conceived not as a static décor scheme, but as a living stage which adapts to the rhythm of its guests.
- Image Credits
- All photos Engin Aydeniz.
All rights Nom Architecture.
Colors of House of Bohem Beach Club
Grand Interview about House of Bohem Beach Club
The mural at House of Bohem Beach Club was not conceived as a decorative element, but as a narrative layer within the space. Although it is placed on an interior wall rather than on the facade, it plays an important role in expressing the identity and bohemian spirit of the venue.The composition carries visual clues about the rhythm of House of Bohem. It celebrates a ritual that begins in the morning and continues into the next morning, moving naturally between coffee and cocktails, day and night, feminine and masculine energy, calm moments and social encounters. A glass may be read as a cocktail glass or as a coffee cup, reflecting the fluid character of a place that changes throughout the day without losing its soul.The lettering of the name also became part of this visual story. Each letter was imagined with its own character: rule-free, expressive and bohemian. These individual letters and stylized forms come together on the wall like different personalities sharing the same atmosphere. It reflects a bohemian and nomadic sense of freedom, where different symbols, moods and characters coexist without strict rules. In this way, the mural gives House of Bohem an artistic memory from within. It does not simply decorate the space; it reveals how the place wants to be lived.
For me, the nomadic and bohemian philosophy behind House of Bohem is not a decorative theme, but a way of understanding life. It is about freedom, being present, slowing down, sharing, moving naturally between different moods, and feeling connected to the sea, the climate and the moment. It is a lifestyle.I translated these values into space by avoiding rigid boundaries. The project was designed as a fluid coastal experience where guests can move from the beach to the lounge, from a relaxed daytime moment to the bar and dining areas, from coffee to cocktails, and from daytime calm to evening energy. Different indoor and outdoor seating areas, shaded corners, open-air and semi-open spaces, and layered textures allow each guest to choose their own rhythm.Natural materials, handmade details, warm colors and a relaxed spatial flow were especially important. They create an atmosphere that feels sincere rather than staged. I believe the most successful design choice was this sense of effortless continuity. House of Bohem does not tell guests how to behave; it invites them to slow down, stay longer and live the moment in their own way. This spirit is also reflected in its motto: kind hearts, gentle spirits, brave souls, be here now.
Designing on the coastline means working with sun, salt, humidity, wind and very intensive daily use. Therefore, each material had to support both the atmosphere of the project and the long-term performance of the space.This process strengthened my understanding of sustainability in hospitality design. Sustainability is not only about choosing materials that look natural or ecological. It is also about longevity, maintenance, emotional durability and, most importantly, timeless design. If a project becomes visually outdated too quickly, or needs to be replaced only because it followed a short-lived trend, it cannot truly be sustainable.At House of Bohem, wood, natural stone, concrete, rattan, linen, handmade ceramics, textured plaster and woven details were used to create a sincere and lasting coastal atmosphere. These materials were chosen not only for their visual warmth, but also for their tactile quality and ability to age beautifully. I believe hospitality design should move away from temporary decoration and focus more on spaces that remain relevant, age gracefully and continue to be loved over time. For me, timelessness is one of the deepest forms of sustainability.
House of Bohem brings together several functions, but I did not approach them as separate zones placed side by side. From the beginning, I imagined the project as a continuous living scenario that could start in the morning and continue until the next morning. In line with the bohemian philosophy of the place, the rhythm of the sky became an important reference: the sun, the moon, the full moon, meteor showers, changing light and night rituals all inspired different moments of use and celebration.This idea helped me organize the bistro, beach lounge, dining area, bar and event spaces within one coherent identity. Each function has its own mood, but they all belong to the same story. The beach lounge carries the relaxed energy of the day, the dining area becomes more refined, the bar supports social encounters, and the event spaces allow celebrations connected to music, light, the sea and the sky.The unity came from a shared material language, natural textures, warm colors, lighting, furniture, signage and a consistent bohemian spirit. Because the project was designed holistically from A to Z, every layer could support the same identity. For me, hospitality design should not only solve functions; it should create a rhythm of life. House of Bohem offers different experiences, but they all flow within one memorable atmosphere.
One of the most difficult decisions in House of Bohem was finding the right balance between the poetic atmosphere of the place and the very real physical conditions of the coastline. In winter months, due to tide movements and strong waves, the sea can enter the beachfront areas and seriously damage what is placed there. This is a recurring challenge on this part of the coast, so the project could not be designed only through aesthetic decisions.This reality influenced several important choices. For example, I preferred concrete flooring in key areas because it could provide durability, stability and easier maintenance under demanding coastal conditions. I also designed high metal baskets filled with sand to be placed in front of the venue during winter months. These protective elements help reduce the impact of waves while responding to the seasonal character of the site.At the same time, the scale of the project was never something that frightened me. On the contrary, I believe that even in large-scale projects, unity can be achieved without repetition and without creating a monotonous atmosphere. The challenge is to keep one coherent identity while allowing different moments, materials and spatial experiences to enrich the whole.This process reshaped the way I think about large-scale hospitality environments. A beautiful coastal venue should not be fragile. It must be able to live with the climate, the sea, the wind and time. For me, the strongest design decisions are often the ones that remain almost invisible to the guest, but protect the life, continuity and atmosphere of the project.
In the early design stages of House of Bohem, the spatial narrative became clear after I observed the existing hospitality scene in Alanya. Many venues were moving toward a more urban, luxury and fine dining language, which did not always reflect the relaxed lifestyle of a coastal city. I wanted to create the opposite: a place that would introduce a softer, more natural and more effortless way of living by the sea.This is where the bohemian concept became meaningful for me. It was not chosen as a style trend, but as a response to the spirit of the coastline. I wanted House of Bohem to support quiet luxury, being present, relaxed living and emotional connection rather than performance. The idea crystallized around movement, light, material and rhythm: arriving from the beach, sitting in a relaxed lounge, moving toward dining, gathering around the bar, listening to music, and staying as the atmosphere becomes warmer in the evening.The most difficult part was translating this bohemian living concept without turning it into a cliché. I did not want a themed or overly decorated place. I wanted the bohemian spirit to be felt through freedom, layering, handmade details, natural textures, warm light and relaxed spatial flow. The response from guests showed me that this lifestyle had been waiting to be expressed in Alanya. Later, seeing similar interpretations appear around the area made me feel that House of Bohem had introduced not only a place, but also a new way of experiencing the coast.
House of Bohem strengthened my belief that hospitality design should create a lifestyle, not only a beautiful venue. For me, the most important lesson of this project is that people respond deeply to places that make them feel free, comfortable, present and emotionally connected. This philosophy will continue to influence my future work, especially in projects where architecture, interiors, outdoor living, branding and atmosphere need to become one coherent experience.I do not see House of Bohem as a visual formula to be repeated. Its real value lies in its method. The project was shaped by listening to the coastline, the climate, the light, the social habits of the city and the emotional needs of guests. These principles can be applied to other coastal hospitality contexts, but each place should create its own language.In future projects, I want to continue exploring this idea of slow glamour: spaces that feel relaxed but refined, natural but carefully designed, effortless but memorable. House of Bohem showed me that design can offer more than service or function. It can introduce a new rhythm of living.
When I look back at House of Bohem, I feel that one dimension that deserves more attention is how strongly the project depends on a living philosophy, not only on a completed design. The architecture, interiors, materials, lighting, branding and outdoor spaces are visible and felt by guests, but the spirit of the place must also be carried every day through people, service rhythm, music, attitude and hospitality culture.This was one of the most delicate aspects of the project. House of Bohem was designed as a place for kind hearts, gentle spirits, brave souls and people who can be present in the moment. Finding and building a team that truly understands this philosophy is not easy, because it requires more than professional service. It requires sensitivity, warmth and a genuine connection with the lifestyle of the place.One of the most difficult things for a designer is to see a project used in a way that weakens its original intention. For this reason, I believe observation after completion is very important. I like to revisit the places I design, understand how they are being used, notice what works, identify what may need correction, and learn from real life. At House of Bohem, I sometimes feel the need to intervene, but in general the spirit of the place is carried well.What I hope designers and clients take away from this project is that hospitality design does not end when the construction is completed. Architecture can create the stage, the atmosphere and the emotional framework, but the life of the place continues through the people who work in, visit and share it. For me, House of Bohem shows that a successful hospitality project is not only designed once; it is lived, observed, protected and renewed every day.
The compressed timeline of House of Bohem made the process intense, but it also made the decisions very clear. When a project has to be designed and delivered in such a short period, there is no space for unnecessary hesitation or decorative confusion. The concept must be strong from the beginning, and every decision must serve that concept.For me, the most important advantage was having a clear vision and a holistic control over the project. Architecture, interiors, furniture, lighting, materials, branding, uniforms and outdoor living were all considered together. This allowed the design language to remain consistent even while decisions were being made quickly. My previous experience in both design and implementation also helped me make practical decisions without weakening the atmosphere of the project.I also believe there is a special energy and creativity that comes with a deadline. When time is limited, people often work more efficiently, instincts become sharper, and the essential ideas become more visible. In some ways, the urgency made certain solutions stronger. It forced me to focus on what was essential: spatial flow, material harmony, guest comfort, day-to-night rhythm and the bohemian identity of the place.I believe speed can become a creative force when the designer knows the direction clearly. House of Bohem was demanding, but its energy came partly from that intensity.
The day-to-night transformation of House of Bohem was inspired first by the natural possibilities of the site. The venue faces south toward the Mediterranean, and this orientation allows guests to experience the movement of the sky in a very special way. While the sun sets beautifully in the west, the moon can rise from the east. In the morning, as the sun rises from the east, the moon may still be visible in the west. Watching this with the sound of the waves became one of the strongest inspirations behind the idea of a place that could live from morning until the next morning.For this reason, lighting was considered not only as a technical system, but as a way to respect and support the natural atmosphere. In some moments, the moon and stars are already enough. Artificial lighting should not compete with them; it should simply create warmth, comfort and orientation when needed.Warm light, soft shadows, textured walls, wood, rattan, linen, woven details and natural surfaces were carefully balanced so that the materials could change character throughout the day. Under daylight, they feel calm and tactile; under evening light, they become more intimate and layered. The aim was not to create a sudden dramatic change, but a natural rhythm. House of Bohem moves from seaside comfort to evening elegance as smoothly as the sky itself changes over the Mediterranean.