Bebek House: A Bold and Unique Residence

Aesthetical Beauty and Conformism in Design and Decoration

Bebek, one of Istanbul's most distinguished neighborhoods, has inspired the creation of the Bebek House by designer Sebnem Buhara. This residence, located in a neighborhood known for its modernism and history, captures the artisan identity of Bebek while offering a secluded yet sociable living experience. With its unique architectural language and emphasis on art, the Bebek House stands out as a bold and intellectual space.

In order to transform spaces with relatively low ceilings into remarkable homes, Sebnem Buhara embraced the challenge and adopted a clear architectural language. Instead of being limited by the restrictive features of the house, the design team used the color black and the concept of art as their guiding principles. The result is an introverted space that combines functionality with an intellectual character, enhanced by carefully selected art pieces.

The Bebek House achieves a balance between aesthetical beauty, conformism, and practical use. Each area of the house has been meticulously designed to provide specific solutions while maintaining a cohesive overall theme. Natural materials such as wood, marble, glass, and brass were chosen to create a contemporary yet timeless atmosphere. The house is equipped with underfloor heating and a ventilation system built into the chimney space, eliminating the need for visible fittings and installations. The seamless connection between the interior and the garden further enhances the interaction between nature and structure.

Spanning 300 square meters across four levels, the Bebek House offers a unique living experience. From the main living spaces that embrace the sea view to the personal living spaces that prioritize privacy, every corner of the house has been tailored to the residents' daily routines, behavior, and tendencies. The careful balance of color, form, material, and style creates a harmonious environment that reflects the residents' preferences and lifestyle.

The design process for the Bebek House involved extensive research into the daily routines and habits of the residents, as well as the identity of the neighborhood. By understanding the unique characteristics of both the residents and the vicinity, Sebnem Buhara and her team were able to create a space that truly reflects the essence of Bebek.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was the low ceiling height, which could have made the spaces feel smaller. However, the design team turned this disadvantage into an advantage by giving the ceilings a patterned surface. They further emphasized the uniqueness of the space by applying black parquet to the floor, creating a distinct separation between the decoration, artwork, and the floor itself. This attention to detail and willingness to push boundaries resulted in a truly remarkable design.

The Bebek House, completed between May 2015 and December 2016, is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Sebnem Buhara and her team. This design has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2018, a prestigious accolade that celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations. The Bebek House stands as a testament to the integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to its residents.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: SEBNEM BUHARA
Image Credits: SEBNEM BUHARA
Project Team Members: Cansu Livaoglu Hayri Yesiltas
Project Name: Bebek House
Project Client: SEBNEM BUHARA


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