Reviving History: The Transformation of Cunda Despot House

Isil Gencoglu's Award-Winning Restoration of a Historical Landmark into a Modern Hotel

The Cunda Despot House, a historical building with a rich past, had remained idle for many years. Gencoglu's inspiration for the project was drawn from the house's story and the excitement of bringing this valuable structure back to life. The design and application work was carried out with a focus on 'protection and historical continuity', ensuring the original texture of the historical building was not damaged.

Before the restoration, the building was in ruins. Gencoglu and her team removed unauthentic attachments, cleaned herbaceous plants, and renewed wooden floors with impregnated wooden floors, rafters, and purlines. The building's foundation was reinforced, and deformed building elements were renewed in accordance with the original. The team also reconstructed the columns carrying the terraces on the entrance and the sea front, which were deformed by exposure to external factors and bad weather conditions.

The restoration process was not without its challenges. The building's bearing system, stairs, and walls were in a very bad condition, requiring careful work. The construction site phase was particularly difficult due to the destruction of the ground floor's ceiling and the stairs. However, Gencoglu and her team overcame these challenges, resulting in a design that does not harm the originality and physical integrity of the building.

The restored Despot House now serves as a hotel, with additional functions such as restaurants, spa baths, and horizon pools supporting the existing structures. The main building has 20 rooms spread across three floors, connected by a stylish wooden staircase. The restaurant structure has a capacity of approximately 150 people, and there is also a fitness section with sports equipment.

The restoration of the Cunda Despot House is a testament to Gencoglu's commitment to preserving historical structures. The project was awarded the Golden A' Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design Award in 2020, a recognition granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology.

In conclusion, the restoration of the Cunda Despot House is a remarkable example of how historical structures can be given a new lease of life, while preserving their original texture and history. Isil Gencoglu's work serves as an inspiration for future restoration projects, demonstrating the potential of design to preserve and celebrate our cultural heritage.