In the millennia-old ecosystem of Yakushima, time is not a linear progression but a cyclical rhythm. “Rooted in Time” embodies this cyclicity through an architectural form where circulation is the core catalyst of the design. The structure is conceived as a continuous route of movement, sprouting from the site’s ancient rocks and spiraling toward the sky in a seamless trajectory.

The project is shaped by a circulation loop that emerges from the landscape, unfolds around a central void, and returns to nature, transforming movement into the generator of form and spatial infinity.

In this sanctuary, circulation is far more than a corridor connecting rooms; it is the primary generator of the building’s envelope, its expansive terraces, and its dynamic relationship with the horizon.

Tectonics of the Spiral: The “C” shaped geometry is a natural consequence of this circulation. Starting from the ground-floor entrance, the path follows a curved circulation extending toward the roof, echoing the spiral fiber structures found in the trunks of the island’s ancient trees.

A Kinetic Experience: Circulation blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. As the user moves along the circulation, the perspective is constantly choreographed: first focusing on the center (the courtyard), then toward the horizon (the sea of forest), and finally returning to the earth (the rocks and water). The form bends, twists, and opens according to this visual choreography.

A Living Landscape: The building ceases to be a static object and is transformed into a fluid landscape that accompanies the user’s temporal journey between the forest, water, and stone.

Through this spiral flow, the project honors the spirit of Yakushima, creating a space that does not merely sit upon the land but grows directly from it—creating a sanctuary where movement, nature, and time converge.

Designed in response to İzmir’s climate and Mediterranean lifestyle, this 400 m² private residence explores the relationship between privacy, natural light, proportion, and timeless design. Defined by pure geometry and carefully balanced volumes, the architecture establishes a bold yet understated presence within its surroundings, bringing together contemporary simplicity and the warmth of everyday living.

The street-facing façade adopts a restrained architectural expression, where privacy becomes an essential element of spatial comfort. Carefully positioned openings, vertical timber elements, and natural stone surfaces create a cohesive, monolithic character, establishing a subtle boundary between the residence and its urban surroundings. In contrast, the rear façade opens generously towards the landscape, creating a seamless connection between daylight, nature, and interior living spaces.

The spatial programme includes three bedrooms, a guest bedroom, a two-car garage with an integrated workshop, a private gym, a terrace, a swimming pool, and expansive communal living areas. The layout prioritises spatial continuity, allowing interior spaces to flow naturally into one another. Large glazed openings invite daylight deep into the residence, while the boundaries between interior and exterior gradually dissolve, bringing the garden, terrace, and living areas into a unified architectural experience.

Responding to İzmir’s hot summers and mild winters, passive climate strategies played an integral role in shaping the design. Carefully considered openings and architectural proportions help reduce direct solar exposure during summer while allowing natural light and warmth to penetrate deeper into the interior during the cooler months.

A refined palette of natural stone, warm timber, expansive glazing, and integrated linear lighting reinforces the clarity of the architectural composition. Materials were selected for their authenticity, durability, and ability to age gracefully, reflecting a commitment to lasting quality rather than passing trends.

More than a private residence, the project is conceived as an enduring architectural experience, where light, shadow, solid and void, and privacy come together to shape a distinctive way of living.

Located in Silivri, Istanbul, Valora Park Residences is a mixed-use project developed as part of an urban regeneration initiative, bringing together residential, commercial and office functions. The design integrates blocks with different functions into a cohesive architectural composition while preserving the individual spatial organization of each building.

The masterplan emphasizes the relationships between building volumes, their proportions and the continuity of the façades. In the residential blocks, commercial units occupy the ground floors, connecting the buildings directly to the street, while the upper floors accommodate apartments. The first block reverses this arrangement, with residential units on the ground floor and offices above, a variation that also informs its volumetric and spatial organization.

The façades balance horizontal and vertical elements. Natural stone tones, warm timber surfaces and expansive glazing form a restrained architectural language, enriched by material transitions while keeping visual coherence. The rhythm of balconies and recessed volumes adds depth and heightens the interplay of light and shadow.

Landscape was designed alongside the building volumes, weaving open spaces, pedestrian connections and greenery into the composition. The project reflects a holistic approach to urban regeneration, exploring the relationships between function, massing, materiality and the surrounding urban context.