Eco-tourism resort (Almost Invisible Resort)

Eco-tourism resort (Almost Invisible Resort)

nabil gholam architects as Architects

Shortlisted, World Architecture Festival Awards 2014 The project is located on a hill in the area of Bodrum. The untouched, natural beauty of the site, the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the sustainable eco-living were the guiding parameters in shaping the master plan.


Being one of the first developments, the project aims at being an exemplary intervention. In the careful effort not to disrupt the beautiful hill-scape, we aimed to subdue all visible physical presence. Meticulous attention was given to distributing the density throughout the site to be able to achieve the required 25% BUA on site. This led to the division of the master plan into three major zones: the high density "village townhouses", the low density detached villas, and the clubhouse with the town square.


The village townhouses consist of mainly 150m² simplexes and 230m² duplexes. These are organized in linear strata echoing the agricultural landscaping typical to the Mediterranean. A big bulk of the physical intervention in this zone is camouflaged inside those landscaped terraces. This strategy allows for the bigger villas to be more spread out and benefit from generous landscaped lots with uninterrupted sea views. All villas (sizes from 320m² to 630m²) are single floor and are discretely inserted in the terrain.


The public components inside the project are the town square and the clubhouse. The town square is strategically located at the heart of the master plan. It is surrounded by retail, cafés, and administrative spaces. The clubhouse occupies the top of the hill, nestled in between series of elongated walls emerging from the land. These are presented as the only visible structures from the sea, reading almost like a fortress up on the hill, subtly announcing the project.


The main goal of the master plan is to create a unique and enjoyable place to visit and live, in mutual harmony and respect with nature. This is achieved though many factors:


Sustainable transportation is catered for in the project. The main circulation is carried out through electrical carts and shuttles, paralleled with dedicated paths for bicycles and e-bikes.


The project maximizes the use of indigenous materials. The materials used have a high recycled content and are locally available; the stone used is from the land itself.


The orientation of the living units is optimized to make best use of wind circulation and daylight. Courtyards inside the villas are introduced to create natural cross ventilation. Other passive sustainable resources are utilized throughout the design such as double walls, thermal mass and insulation. Trees and light fabric is used to provide shading.


Or the broader level, the project aims at linking socially and economically with local communities through its activities and opportunities.

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