Monochrome: A Symphony of Simplicity and Elegance

Emel Balci's Award-Winning Luxury Villa Design

The Monochrome villa, designed by Emel Balci, stands as a testament to modern luxury that harmoniously blends form and function. The project's inspiration stems from the desire to create a distinctive yet warm environment that embodies simplicity without sacrificing functionality. Balci's approach to the design process was to integrate the client's preferences with a touch of refined taste and technical expertise, leading to the emergence of a unique focal point beginning with the fireplace wall and extending to the intricate wooden curtain system.

What sets Monochrome apart is its commitment to minimalism and a monochrome palette, with a strong emphasis on the use of natural materials. The project's centerpiece is the impressive hall section, which boasts a wooden sliding curtain system in the dining area. This feature is complemented by the 7.5-meter-high Sominine wall design that elegantly separates the living and dining sections, showcasing the strength and uniqueness of the design.

The realization of the Monochrome villa involved the meticulous selection of natural building materials such as wood, marble, ceramics, lacquered elements, metal, glass, and mirrors. Each material was chosen for its compatibility and the ability to contribute to the villa's cohesive aesthetic. The design process was characterized by an attention to detail that ensured precision down to the millimeter on each surface, resulting in a home that is as much a work of art as it is a functional living space.

Spanning 400 square meters, the villa's design facilitates a seamless operation through an intuitive interaction mechanism. The wooden curtains create a dynamic shadow play, while strategic lighting enhances the aesthetic and functional experience of the home. This integration of design elements not only contributes to a better living environment but also adds a touch of elegance to the villa's functionality.

The Monochrome project was realized over a three-month period, from December 2021 to March 2022, in Buyukcekmece, Istanbul. The design research focused on achieving a harmonious blend of nature, simplicity, and functionality, with a careful selection of materials that would integrate well with the overall design vision. The challenge lay in creating an interior that was natural, simple, and functional, yet felt purposeful and coherent in its design narrative.

Emel Balci's Monochrome villa is a private boutique residence situated on a 1000 square meter plot in Istanbul. It features five bedrooms, two living rooms, six bathrooms, and a private pool. The design's main character is its simplicity, achieved through the use of monochrome and natural materials. The wood sliding curtain system is the star design element, inspiring the entire project and leading to the extensive use of wood panels and a dominant gray color palette complemented by stone elements.

The villa's design excellence was recognized with the Silver A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design category in 2024. This accolade is reserved for top-tier designs that demonstrate remarkable creativity, expertise, and innovation, and Monochrome certainly fits this description with its strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, evoking feelings of amazement and wonder.