Mardin Cevzat Ecological Hotel: A Restoration Masterpiece

Isil Gencoglu's Award-Winning Design Breathes New Life into Historic Stone Buildings

Located on 174 decares of land, the Cevzat Kasri and Su Kasri buildings were initially built as residences. Despite being in ruins, they have defied the years, retaining their originality and stone texture. Gencoglu's design breathes new life into these structures, ensuring they continue to inspire future generations.

The project's unique properties lie in its respect for the original architecture and its innovative use of local materials. The existing stone textures were cleaned and preserved, and missing stones were replaced with local calcite stone and chipped stone. To distinguish new additions from the original material, the design team used steel and glass construction.

Technology played a crucial role in the realization of this design. The team used laser total station for measurements, took detailed photographs, and prepared the project based on information from art historians and the buildings' owners. The "Cultural Heritage Preservation Board" approved the restoration project, affirming its respect for the buildings' historical significance.

The Mardin Cevzat Ecological Hotel offers seven rooms, a reception, a cafe, and a restaurant in the Cevzat Kasri. The Water Pavilion houses an iwan, four hotel rooms, and a kitchen. The design also includes landscaping, further enhancing the site's natural beauty. The project started in 2018 in Bursa and finished in 2020, with implementation planned for 2021 in the city of Mardin.

Despite the challenges of intervening in a historical structure, Gencoglu and her team managed to create a design that respects the buildings' history while meeting modern needs. The project's success is a testament to the power of restoration and adaptive reuse, demonstrating how design can preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainability and natural living.

The Mardin Cevzat Ecological Hotel is more than just a design project; it is a celebration of history, culture, and nature. It is a testament to the power of design to transform and inspire, breathing new life into old structures and ensuring they continue to inspire future generations. With its unique blend of old and new, the Mardin Cevzat Ecological Hotel is a true design masterpiece.