KAAT Studio presents the Beykoz Residences, a concept for a residential complex in Istanbul, Turkey, just by the breathtaking Bosphorus Strait. With projects in Turkey and around the globe, KAAT regards itself as a studio committed to crafting a rich and thorough architectural journey within the contemporary, high-speed environment. They strive to approach every design undertaking with a thought-provoking exploration, view each challenge as a chance for re-evaluation, and place significant value on the process of engaging and convincing the necessary individuals.

This drawing board visualisation postulates a residential architecture project in the Beykoz area, an ancient district in Istanbul, in direct contact with the Bosphorus. Beykoz is situated at the northern tip of the Bosphorus on the Anatolian side, encompassing an area that stretches from the Küçüksu and Göksu streams to the entrance of the Bosphorus into the Black Sea, including the villages in the hinterland as far as the Riva creek. During antiquity, the mouth of the Bosphorus served as a sacred site for offerings, particularly to seek the protection of Zeus and Poseidon for safe voyages across the tempestuous Black Sea. Without their favour, few dared to embark on these treacherous waters. During the Ottoman era, the land behind Beykoz remained mostly open countryside and forests, serving as a hunting ground and an escape from the city for the Sultans and their court. The history and folklore centred around this site is layered and interesting.

Today, on the hillsides overlooking the Bosphorus, Beykoz has consistently grappled with unregulated development. Large areas above the Bosphorus have been occupied by unauthorised housing. Places such as Çubuklu and Paşabahçe have faced ongoing challenges in developing infrastructure to accommodate the rapid growth of illegal housing. Presently, illegal construction is encroaching further into the inland forests. These rural areas are dotted with small villages, all of which are expanding as new roads are constructed.

However, not all the new housing is haphazardly constructed, as Beykoz boasts some of Istanbul's most luxurious developments. These exclusive neighbourhoods feature residential designs that are home to celebrities, members of parliament, and other prominent figures in Istanbul's high society.

The Beykoz Residences seem to also be a concept formed for a privileged complex. This residential development strives to integrate history, nature, and architectural design into a harmonious whole. Set upon a vast, rolling landscape, the project provides remarkable views of the Bosphorus and is enveloped by verdant surroundings, instilling a serene atmosphere.

The location has a historical connection to its three creeks, which were once popular recreational hubs for the local community. With this heritage in mind, KAAT Studio has created a design that pays homage to the area's past while offering contemporary comforts and opulent living spaces.

The project encompasses a diverse range of housing options, including apartments and villas. The buildings are strategically positioned to preserve the natural terrain and take full advantage of the breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. Additionally, the development boasts an interesting landscape design which includes gardens, walking trails, and other amenities that enable residents to fully appreciate the site's natural beauty.

Visualised over the hills of Beykoz, the cascading architecture concept is reminiscent of the region’s villages in which the houses are vertically connected in a way that one’s roof is the other’s garden. This interconnectedness has historically created a strong sense of community and the architects in this project have made an effort to leverage the same idea. The communal gardens, light shafts and ponds observed in the designs also contribute to the designers’ idea of making a community, not a complex. However, one cannot be sure if the privacy that is much needed and expected in contemporary life is provided through this design. The houses positioned on different levels of the complex overlook the neighbouring balconies, and while ensuring a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus, the windows of the apartments and villas also overlook other houses on the hill and in the complex.

The villa design and apartment designs allow a degree of transparency. The open space plan and the large windows make the communal garden an extension of the kitchen and the living room. The windows allow a generous amount of natural light inside, which is crucial due to the cold winters of Istanbul. Arched ceilings make the space look even more open and create smooth visual dynamism. However, the use of different materials, most notably wood with different shades, patterns and designs collects the vision with its warmth and gives a sense of homeliness to the place despite the vast open space.

The design of the residence is compelling, beautiful, and luxurious. The architects seemed to visualise an ideal community to live in this magnificent residential complex where lines between private and public and inside and outside are blurred by putting trust in the discreteness of neighbours who are expected to love each other. While these are faithful assumptions to make and seem extremely optimistic, it does not change that Beykoz Residencies has a concept of a utopia in the heart of Istanbul.