The Island House, which is embedded in the hills of the Aegean Coast, combines a breathtaking view with carefully considered architecture. It fulfils all the wishes of the client, which not only include visual requirements but also take into account functional and energy-saving factors. It has also been designed so that it has the potential to be used in a commercial way in the future.
| Type of Building | Private Home |
| Product areas | Windows Doors Sliding doors |
| Schüco Systems | ADS 50 ASS 70 FD AWS 65 AWS 65 BS ADS 65 HD |
| Features | New build Energy efficiency Cradle-to-Cradle |
| Location | Izmir, Turkey |
| Completion | 2020 |
| Architects | Gürcan Dere Design Studio |
| Specialist company | MAT |
| Picture credits | © Schüco International KG |
Embedded in the hills of the Aegean Coast, the Island House offers a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea and the island of Chios. The idyllic location of a picturesque coastal village in the hills of Ildırı (Çeşme) gives the building its unique charm. The ruins of a historic Ionian temple can be seen on a neighbouring hill, adding to the ambience.
Although Island House is technically located on a peninsula – a headland at the westernmost end of Turkey – its architecture is strongly influenced by the typical island houses of the region. Architect Gürcan Dere was particularly inspired by the façades of the residential houses of Pirgi, an old Genoese town on the opposite island of Chios. “The dominance of the white, natural plaster of the façade, in conjunction with the organic shapes and the semi-circular windows, perfectly reflect the spirit of the Aegean islands,” he explains.
The natural island lifestyle of the Aegean coast was embodied in every facet of Island House's design. The snowy white paint, soft shapes, rustic masonry and chestnut ceiling beams all lend the building its typical island house feel. The careful colour selection highlights the way that the property is harmoniously embedded in the landscape. “The house stands out at the point where the green of nature meets the blue of the sea. We deliberately avoided adding another dominant texture or colour,” explains Gürcan Dere.
Clear lines and a reduced colour palette define the ambience in the interior, while hexagonal porcelain ceramic tiles from Italy lend a warm, Mediterranean feel to the open-plan living and dining area. The only eye-catching element – besides the spectacular view – is the striking black fireplace. The metal sheet cladding creates a link to the wrought-iron used for the staircase and the terrace balustrades, complemented by black fittings, door pulls and window profiles. These details break up the traditional look and give the house a stylish and modern appearance. One highlight is the ASS 70 FD folding sliding system that was used, which seamlessly connects the living and dining area to the balcony. The level threshold offers a fluid transition between the inside and outside areas.
In addition to the chimney, the entire building is heated via under-floor heating. The window and door systems were selected with a focus on high-quality technology and considered details. Safety glass with integrated sun shading and insulated profiles not only provides the necessary thermal insulation, but also offers protection against the powerful winds and strong sunlight of the region. This in turn reduces energy consumption and costs for electrical cooling – a considerable benefit considering the glass area is 65 m2. The state-of-the-art water treatment systems also contribute to the building's sustainability. The water is sourced from artesian wells and treated, so that it can be used as drinking water. The Cradle to Cradle certification of the AWS 65 window system is testament to its very good recyclability.
One of the greatest challenges for architect Gürcan Dere was bringing the client's range of desires together to form a single harmonious concept. “The building should not only meet visual requirements, but should also be functional, energy-saving and easy to maintain. Additionally, it had to offer the potential to be used commercially in the future,” said Dere. For this reason, the bottom floor was fitted with a service kitchen with a counter, extra toilets and a separate garden area. The laundry room, a wine cellar with space for 2000 bottles and a separate guesthouse with two more rooms make the property suitable for letting as a holiday home in the long-term.
