Beykoz Konakları |MK| House

Bekoz Konakları | Istanbul | 2019
Landscape Design and Application

Located in Beykoz Konakları, this landscape implementation project was developed to transform the existing sloping terrain into an opportunity, increasing the garden’s usability and creating a new outdoor spatial configuration defined through multiple levels.

The natural slope of the site was carefully reconfigured through terracing with stone retaining walls, creating usable areas at different elevations throughout the garden. The natural material character of the stone walls strengthens the relationship between the landscape and the existing topography, while giving the garden a more distinctive and cohesive spatial identity.

As the existing terrace footprint was insufficient for seating and everyday use, the terrace was expanded with natural iroko wood decking. The warm texture of the iroko timber establishes a connection between the structural elements and the planting, while allowing the extended living area to engage more strongly with the surrounding garden.

Around the terrace, graded river gravel was introduced to create a more flexible and natural ground surface. The gradual transition between different tones provides a soft connection between the hardscape and planted areas, reinforcing the garden’s natural landscape character.

Custom-made modular planters were designed for use on the terrace, allowing the location and boundaries of the planting areas to be defined in a controlled manner. This modular configuration offers a flexible landscape approach that can be rearranged according to changing use requirements, while also strengthening the spatial perception of the terrace.

For the planting design, shade-tolerant species were selected in response to the garden’s existing light conditions. The vegetation was positioned in a carefully composed rhythm in relation to the newly created levels, terrace, and planter groups. This established a balanced relationship between the existing topography, natural materials, and planting.

As a result, the existing sloping terrain, with its limited usability, was transformed through stone retaining walls, iroko wood decking, river gravel, and a carefully controlled planting scheme into a high-quality garden with distinct areas for different uses. The resulting landscape combines a strong natural character with functional outdoor spaces, extending the residential living experience seamlessly into the garden.