R2 House is located in the historic Reşadiye District of Datça, Muğla. As Datça is designated as one of the Special Environment Protection Areas the regulations in the region are quite strict, with serious restrictions on opening ratios, facade materials, and building heights.
Therefore the goal was to design a structure that reflects the region's archetypes and establishes a harmonious connection with the urrounding levels. The aim was to reinterpret the local architectural language with a contemporary touch and create a graphic impact that could embed itself in architectural memory. The language formed by the combination of masses of different sizes was considered as a reference to the joint forms commonly seen in the historical pattern of the area.
The interaction between the building and the street level proved fundamental to the design.
The area between the building and the lower ground was terraced, with an intermediate level allocated for parking, facilitating a smooth, step-like transition. This gradual change is further enhanced by landscaped gardens that integrate with the surrounding environment. The stone walls, crafted from the region's native "keltaş" stone, were designed with the intent of allowing vegetation to gradually reclaim the surfaces over time, contributing to the street interface. This approach seeks to evoke the sense of Datça's natural topography, replacing the traditional high retaining wall with a more organic and harmonious connection to the landscape.
A key design principle was the inclusion of multiple distinct outdoor spaces, each with its own functional identity. Three terraces were integrated into the design, each serving a unique purpose. The main terrace, which offers sweeping views of Gocadağ—Datça's highest mountain and the inspiration for a poem by Can Yücel—was conceived as a space for daily use. A green terrace, shaded in the morning, is directly linked to the kitchen. The rooftop terrace, designed for larger gatherings and stargazing, offers an elevated experience for social activities alike.