İZMİR SUMMER HOUSE

This villa project was designed by interior architect and designer Selina Kazazoglu for a family with two children to escape from the streams of living in the city. This house expresses itself in the peaceful balance with nature and its minimalist concept. The gardens have many plants and trees native to the Aegean region such as lavender, bonsai, olive, thyme and jasmine whilst also reminiscing of the spirit of Provence. Although the house appears to be single storey at garden level, part of the living area is incorporated into the basement so actually forming two storeys. The project, although in keeping with a `summer` house ideal, satisfies all the necessities for comfortable living, maximizing use of the garden. To this and parts of the original architectural project were altered to fit in with the concept. The house owners had an important input into the project, with their positive approach and decisive tastes, working alongside the interior architect to achieve the final concept. One of the most important features of the project is the connection between all the living spaces to the gardens. The pool, terrace, and garden area form a continuation to the indoor living space. The swimming pool was redesigned using a special mixture of beads and stones to form a seamless surface, giving the feeling of an ocean-like depth. The climate dictates that a majority of time will be spent outdoors, hence the various different functional seating areas on the terrace. The semi closed area is ideal for protection from the sun and relaxation as well as hosting guests in the comfortable seating area. There is a separate dining area with its own fixed seating unit. Selina Kazazoglu started the project with a general outline of the features and having shared the details with the house owners, had a starting point for the kitchen design. With a preference and for WOLF and Subzero refrigerators and all the floors being polished concrete, the concept naturally veered towards an industrial design. All living areas are rendered with neutral colors and textures complimented with specially selected eye-catching objects and furniture to complete the picture. Natural wood was chosen for the cupboards and doors in harmony with the industrial concept. The kitchen design is open plan, with an island separating the lounge area, creating a large and airy space. The worktops are polished concrete, the walls are natural wood and the industrial concept is completed using glass and chrome as cupboard doors. The ceramic feature above the island workshop was specially designed and adds an unusual touch to the concept. The bathroom surfaces are a combination of polished concrete and natural wood with teak flooring in the shower units. Fixtures and fittings as well as the ceramics and lighting have all been selected to conform to the industrial concept of the project. The basement forms the largest living space and has been designed for the family to spend time together, playing with the children, painting and making music. There is also a guest bedroom and bathroom on this floor, alongside a staff room, laundry room, larder and kitchen.