Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Elmali House
Elmali House
Ula, Muğla, Türkiye
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Elmali House
Ula, Muğla, Türkiye
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2024
SIZE
3000 sqft - 5000 sqft
Elmali House is located in Elmali Village, a part of the largest district in the southwest of Turkey, Ula, near Akyaka town center in the province of Muğla. The site is located near the eastern boundary of the village, at the intersection of a natural active stream and the forest. One side of the house is surrounded by pine forests, while the other is situated on the southeast slope of an agricultural plain. The project consists of two parcels: one with a single-story 150 m² modern concrete house with two bedrooms, an open kitchen, terraces, and a pool, and the other parcel with a guest house, a traditional Ula village house of 90 m², renovated to its original form.
"Everything began with that song... While dreaming about the future with my spouse, that song played in the background... 'Let's find a place... close to the sea, far from the world...' In that moment, we decided to stop dreaming and take action, making a radical change in our lives” the story of how the project began, told by the homeowners. They add following experiences about how it is going after moving in "To greet the day by the forest’s edge means waking up every morning to the new songs of birds, exchanging greetings with our squirrel, whom we named Zıpzıp, and blending the aroma of fresh morning coffee with the earthy scent of dew. Throughout the day, we watch doves drink from the pool, wonder how much our peppers have grown, wait for the swallows nesting on our roof to learn to fly, meet new birds with every season, fall in love with the dance of the trees in the wind, witness the sun's effort to warm every tree, and gaze at the stars all night. It’s about experiencing how miraculous nature is in every way...
Today, the stones from the old ruined barn, our first love, have been expertly crafted into the front façade of our home, facing the village. Every time we look at it, it brings a smile, reminding us of our whole story.
We live this life only once, but we have the chance to experience it infinitely. How lucky we are that after 50 years of city living, the simple yet comfortable, peaceful and serene life in Elmali awaits us and our friends. To all the workers who made our dream of being close to the sea, far from the world, possible, we offer our endless respect...”
Betül and Rida Akçınar are just one of many couples seeking a different lifestyle. Due to factors such as the work tempo of city life, population density, decline in air and life quality, rising living costs, earthquake risk, infrastructure problems, the diminishing quality of social and residential areas, and social alienation, many have sought to leave the city and create a life in a quieter, more natural setting. The pandemic, in particular, made us reassess the importance of home life, the need for private and open spaces, and the environmental factors surrounding them. With the increasing variety of flexible work models, the transition from city to countryside has accelerated, making new life projects possible. The countryside, with its rich natural environment, strong community culture, and the potential for a balanced work-life experience, has become increasingly attractive.
It is possible to encounter traditional Ula houses in Elmalı and surrounding villages. Building these houses authentically is no longer feasible today due to costs, craftsmanship, materials, and resources. While efforts have been made to preserve the characteristic features of these anonymously built houses, unfortunately, the examples produced with current construction methods are of poor quality. The traditional reconstruction of the guest house located on the parcel aims to preserve the existing village texture and to revive an existing building. Architecture here has fulfilled a different mission; while the architect built this structure with the same dimensions and in the most faithful manner, they have also preserved the memories passed down from the village’s past to the present, keeping the village’s memory alive. The goal here is not to adopt a nostalgic, formal, and popular architectural stance, but rather an honest approach, using the tension and contrast between the traditional and the modern. Although the house was completed in the second phase and has not yet been fully used, it has already received appreciation and approval from the villagers, as conveyed by the homeowners. While passing through the village, Rida Akçinar was stopped by a local, Hasan Sari, who thanked him for rebuilding the house in the same way and expressed his happiness, explaining that the house belonged to his uncle and that he had spent his childhood in and around that house. The guest house has taken its place as a contemporary example of vernacular architecture.
The entrance of the U-shaped house is located on the southeast side, accessible via stairs from the open garage area facing the Elmali Village road. The natural slope separating the garage from the house, along with garden walls, garage doors, water troughs, and guest house walls, defines the boundaries. Stairs lead from the garage to the entrance platform. The southeast-facing village side of the house is covered with the stones from a small barn that once stood there, giving the façade a historic touch. The use of natural stone provides natural thermal insulation while creating a visual dialogue with the village through materials and texture. The building’s design also emphasizes the centrality of nature, balancing the natural landscape with architectural space and light. Behind this façade, on the southwest wing of the U-plan, the kitchen and entry hall are located. The kitchen opens to a west-facing terrace under a large cantilevered roof, and also has an exit to the southwest garden. This allows the kitchen to directly access both its private terrace and open spaces for use at different times of the day, offering functional space. While the kitchen is open-plan, it maintains its own private area. The entrance hall provides direct access to the living room, which extends into the terrace and pool area.
The living room, a high-ceilinged space in the center of the U-shaped building, is defined by a northwest terrace and a large cantilevered roof above it. The U-plan creates a private and intimate living space by enclosing the central living area, which is entirely made of glass, opening to the terrace. This maximizes the interior space, especially in the Mediterranean and Aegean climates, where the area can be opened up during much of the year to expand the living area.
At the north end of the U-plan, there are two bedrooms, one of which is the master, along with two bathrooms and a laundry room. The bedrooms open toward the north-facing rocky landscape and are isolated from other areas of the house, each with their own private front gardens. The building’s design takes advantage of the natural slope, allowing the house to experience nature panoramically and settle into the terrain harmoniously, with half of the living area and bedrooms embedded in the ground. This provides thermal insulation and helps reduce energy consumption, minimizing the carbon footprint. The expansive, semi-open terrace faces the Aegean hills to the northwest and ends with an infinity pool, marking the boundary between the plot and the natural slope. The constantly changing reflections create a visual spectacle throughout the day.
The south-facing facade of the raw concrete residential structure is covered with stones from the old building, using a unique weaving technique. These stones were arranged in a specific pattern of vertical stones by stonemasons, led by Murat Usta from Çine, as part of a team. The aim here is to establish an architectural dialogue between the building and the village, while also showcasing the craftsmanship of the stonemasons in a way that highlights their skills. This collaboration between architect and craftsmen reflects traditional building systems in their most beautiful form and is one of the key characteristics defining the identity of the structure. Master Stonemason Murat Usta proudly shared his experience: “I come from a family of stonemasons for at least three generations; I’ve done many different jobs, but this is the first time I’ve built such a wall.” The same applies to all the craftsmen who worked on the raw concrete construction such as Concrete Framework Master İlhan Usta and his team, Construction Chief Mr. Mevlut Derer, and others. The shared goal is to produce a good architectural structure.
The guest house is a traditional Ula village house that was reconstructed using a reinforced concrete foundation and wall system while maintaining the original wood construction techniques. The roof features a high-entry terrace supported by wooden columns, which extends to the west. The guest house has three rooms, each with independent doors opening onto the terrace. The main entrance leads to a living room with a fireplace and a kitchen. Two private rooms have access from this living room as well.
In traditional homes, the toilet is located outside the main building, and the bathroom is usually next to the kitchen. However, the guest house has been adapted to modern needs with bathrooms and toilets within the rooms. The window and door openings have been carefully recreated to match the original design, with two skylights added to bring in more natural light. The proportions of the roof and walls are preserved, using traditional materials such as natural tiles, insulated aluminum frames, and low-e glass to enhance energy efficiency.
The kitchen is designed to meet the daily needs of a family, and the entire structure, including the wooden roof, natural stone walls, wooden shutters, and fixed furniture, has been crafted by local artisans using traditional methods.
As an office that has been building new structures in the region every year since our first project, Citlik House, nearly 10 years ago, we have had the opportunity to analyze and synthesize the local character, experiencing it and continuously evolving our projects. We believe that quality architecture, especially in developing countries and rural areas, is crucial not only for the physical environment but also for the new generation to grow with an architectural culture. Alongside projects like Çitlik House and Atakoy House, and in 2025 Elmali House which were nominated for the Aga Khan Awards, we have had the chance to design and construct numerous special residential projects in areas such as Çambeleni, Taşkesik, Yilanlik, and Elmali in the past decade. We believe that this has contributed to forming a contemporary architectural inventory for the region and integrating architectural heritage with modern structures.
All of our projects are residential, and the residents of these houses are not seasonal or vacation homeowners. Unlike coastal cities with tourist attractions, there has been a noticeable migration from urban to rural areas in this region, and the community formed by people coming from the cities has contributed significantly to the region socially and economically. Rem Koolhaas’ "Countryside" course and the exhibition by the same name have brought attention to this matter. In conclusion, it may be possible to observe the new traces of contemporary architecture starting from rural areas. This raises the question of whether contemporary local architecture is possible.
"Everything began with that song... While dreaming about the future with my spouse, that song played in the background... 'Let's find a place... close to the sea, far from the world...' In that moment, we decided to stop dreaming and take action, making a radical change in our lives” the story of how the project began, told by the homeowners. They add following experiences about how it is going after moving in "To greet the day by the forest’s edge means waking up every morning to the new songs of birds, exchanging greetings with our squirrel, whom we named Zıpzıp, and blending the aroma of fresh morning coffee with the earthy scent of dew. Throughout the day, we watch doves drink from the pool, wonder how much our peppers have grown, wait for the swallows nesting on our roof to learn to fly, meet new birds with every season, fall in love with the dance of the trees in the wind, witness the sun's effort to warm every tree, and gaze at the stars all night. It’s about experiencing how miraculous nature is in every way...
Today, the stones from the old ruined barn, our first love, have been expertly crafted into the front façade of our home, facing the village. Every time we look at it, it brings a smile, reminding us of our whole story.
We live this life only once, but we have the chance to experience it infinitely. How lucky we are that after 50 years of city living, the simple yet comfortable, peaceful and serene life in Elmali awaits us and our friends. To all the workers who made our dream of being close to the sea, far from the world, possible, we offer our endless respect...”
Betül and Rida Akçınar are just one of many couples seeking a different lifestyle. Due to factors such as the work tempo of city life, population density, decline in air and life quality, rising living costs, earthquake risk, infrastructure problems, the diminishing quality of social and residential areas, and social alienation, many have sought to leave the city and create a life in a quieter, more natural setting. The pandemic, in particular, made us reassess the importance of home life, the need for private and open spaces, and the environmental factors surrounding them. With the increasing variety of flexible work models, the transition from city to countryside has accelerated, making new life projects possible. The countryside, with its rich natural environment, strong community culture, and the potential for a balanced work-life experience, has become increasingly attractive.
It is possible to encounter traditional Ula houses in Elmalı and surrounding villages. Building these houses authentically is no longer feasible today due to costs, craftsmanship, materials, and resources. While efforts have been made to preserve the characteristic features of these anonymously built houses, unfortunately, the examples produced with current construction methods are of poor quality. The traditional reconstruction of the guest house located on the parcel aims to preserve the existing village texture and to revive an existing building. Architecture here has fulfilled a different mission; while the architect built this structure with the same dimensions and in the most faithful manner, they have also preserved the memories passed down from the village’s past to the present, keeping the village’s memory alive. The goal here is not to adopt a nostalgic, formal, and popular architectural stance, but rather an honest approach, using the tension and contrast between the traditional and the modern. Although the house was completed in the second phase and has not yet been fully used, it has already received appreciation and approval from the villagers, as conveyed by the homeowners. While passing through the village, Rida Akçinar was stopped by a local, Hasan Sari, who thanked him for rebuilding the house in the same way and expressed his happiness, explaining that the house belonged to his uncle and that he had spent his childhood in and around that house. The guest house has taken its place as a contemporary example of vernacular architecture.
The entrance of the U-shaped house is located on the southeast side, accessible via stairs from the open garage area facing the Elmali Village road. The natural slope separating the garage from the house, along with garden walls, garage doors, water troughs, and guest house walls, defines the boundaries. Stairs lead from the garage to the entrance platform. The southeast-facing village side of the house is covered with the stones from a small barn that once stood there, giving the façade a historic touch. The use of natural stone provides natural thermal insulation while creating a visual dialogue with the village through materials and texture. The building’s design also emphasizes the centrality of nature, balancing the natural landscape with architectural space and light. Behind this façade, on the southwest wing of the U-plan, the kitchen and entry hall are located. The kitchen opens to a west-facing terrace under a large cantilevered roof, and also has an exit to the southwest garden. This allows the kitchen to directly access both its private terrace and open spaces for use at different times of the day, offering functional space. While the kitchen is open-plan, it maintains its own private area. The entrance hall provides direct access to the living room, which extends into the terrace and pool area.
The living room, a high-ceilinged space in the center of the U-shaped building, is defined by a northwest terrace and a large cantilevered roof above it. The U-plan creates a private and intimate living space by enclosing the central living area, which is entirely made of glass, opening to the terrace. This maximizes the interior space, especially in the Mediterranean and Aegean climates, where the area can be opened up during much of the year to expand the living area.
At the north end of the U-plan, there are two bedrooms, one of which is the master, along with two bathrooms and a laundry room. The bedrooms open toward the north-facing rocky landscape and are isolated from other areas of the house, each with their own private front gardens. The building’s design takes advantage of the natural slope, allowing the house to experience nature panoramically and settle into the terrain harmoniously, with half of the living area and bedrooms embedded in the ground. This provides thermal insulation and helps reduce energy consumption, minimizing the carbon footprint. The expansive, semi-open terrace faces the Aegean hills to the northwest and ends with an infinity pool, marking the boundary between the plot and the natural slope. The constantly changing reflections create a visual spectacle throughout the day.
The south-facing facade of the raw concrete residential structure is covered with stones from the old building, using a unique weaving technique. These stones were arranged in a specific pattern of vertical stones by stonemasons, led by Murat Usta from Çine, as part of a team. The aim here is to establish an architectural dialogue between the building and the village, while also showcasing the craftsmanship of the stonemasons in a way that highlights their skills. This collaboration between architect and craftsmen reflects traditional building systems in their most beautiful form and is one of the key characteristics defining the identity of the structure. Master Stonemason Murat Usta proudly shared his experience: “I come from a family of stonemasons for at least three generations; I’ve done many different jobs, but this is the first time I’ve built such a wall.” The same applies to all the craftsmen who worked on the raw concrete construction such as Concrete Framework Master İlhan Usta and his team, Construction Chief Mr. Mevlut Derer, and others. The shared goal is to produce a good architectural structure.
The guest house is a traditional Ula village house that was reconstructed using a reinforced concrete foundation and wall system while maintaining the original wood construction techniques. The roof features a high-entry terrace supported by wooden columns, which extends to the west. The guest house has three rooms, each with independent doors opening onto the terrace. The main entrance leads to a living room with a fireplace and a kitchen. Two private rooms have access from this living room as well.
In traditional homes, the toilet is located outside the main building, and the bathroom is usually next to the kitchen. However, the guest house has been adapted to modern needs with bathrooms and toilets within the rooms. The window and door openings have been carefully recreated to match the original design, with two skylights added to bring in more natural light. The proportions of the roof and walls are preserved, using traditional materials such as natural tiles, insulated aluminum frames, and low-e glass to enhance energy efficiency.
The kitchen is designed to meet the daily needs of a family, and the entire structure, including the wooden roof, natural stone walls, wooden shutters, and fixed furniture, has been crafted by local artisans using traditional methods.
As an office that has been building new structures in the region every year since our first project, Citlik House, nearly 10 years ago, we have had the opportunity to analyze and synthesize the local character, experiencing it and continuously evolving our projects. We believe that quality architecture, especially in developing countries and rural areas, is crucial not only for the physical environment but also for the new generation to grow with an architectural culture. Alongside projects like Çitlik House and Atakoy House, and in 2025 Elmali House which were nominated for the Aga Khan Awards, we have had the chance to design and construct numerous special residential projects in areas such as Çambeleni, Taşkesik, Yilanlik, and Elmali in the past decade. We believe that this has contributed to forming a contemporary architectural inventory for the region and integrating architectural heritage with modern structures.
All of our projects are residential, and the residents of these houses are not seasonal or vacation homeowners. Unlike coastal cities with tourist attractions, there has been a noticeable migration from urban to rural areas in this region, and the community formed by people coming from the cities has contributed significantly to the region socially and economically. Rem Koolhaas’ "Countryside" course and the exhibition by the same name have brought attention to this matter. In conclusion, it may be possible to observe the new traces of contemporary architecture starting from rural areas. This raises the question of whether contemporary local architecture is possible.
Product Spec Sheet
Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.