Kadikoy Terrace |SM| Terrace

Kadikoy | Istanbul, 2021
Landscape Design and Application

Located in Kadıköy, this residential terrace was redesigned to transform the monotonous and limited character of the existing balcony into a versatile living environment that responds to different needs throughout the day, establishes a strong relationship with the surrounding view, and integrates nature into the living experience.

The primary design approach was to create spatial diversity through the introduction of different levels within the terrace. While the changes in elevation allow the individual areas to be defined, they remain visually and functionally connected. The elevated seating area provides a more dominant perspective toward the sea, allowing the terrace to engage directly with its surrounding landscape. In this way, the terrace was transformed from a simple outdoor space into a high-quality extension of the residence, bringing the living experience seamlessly outdoors.

Natural iroko wood decking was used as the primary flooring material, strengthening the material character of the terrace while introducing a warm and natural atmosphere. An iroko wood pergola, integrated with the decking, was designed as one of the key focal elements of the space. A motorized sunscreen fabric awning was incorporated into the pergola to provide effective solar control and enhance comfort throughout the day.

The planting design was developed through tailored solutions responding to the terrace’s spatial limitations. Custom-designed fiberglass planters were introduced for the placement of trees and shrubs, creating a cohesive relationship between the vegetation and architectural elements. Olea europaea (olive) trees, reflecting a Mediterranean character, reinforce the landscape identity of the terrace while establishing a natural and timeless atmosphere.

To transform the tall and rigid surrounding walls into an integral part of the landscape, custom metal climbing structures were introduced. Rhyncospermum jasminoides was trained onto these supporting systems, with the intention of gradually enveloping and softening the wall surfaces with a layer of greenery over time. This vegetative layer functions not only as a visual privacy screen, but also as a natural transition between the terrace and the dense urban fabric surrounding it.

Bringing together materials, planting, and structural elements, the project was conceived as a contemporary residential terrace centered around the sea view, enriched through changes in level, and designed to support comfortable use throughout all four seasons.