South African architecture studio SAOTA chose to incorporate some sustainable features in its design for the new Ritz-Carlton Residences by Marriott International. Located in Bodrum, Turkey, the hotel used stone collected from the building site in its construction and native landscaping in its outdoor spaces.
The property is set on a 126,000-square-meter private peninsula in a coastal resort town surrounded by the stunning Aegean Sea and boasts the first standalone residences in the area. It has 74 private villas with 10 different design layout options to choose from; plans range from two to five bedrooms to options with a private heated swimming pool, a private landscaped garden, cabanas, sun terraces, a private pond at the entrance, a laundry room and an advanced entertainment room.
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According to the designers, the overall aesthetic is “a contemporary interpretation of traditional vernacular.” They hoped to align the design with the architectural and environmental characteristics of the area, which is known for its castles and museums. The plan goes even further by utilizing specific materials excavated from the building site itself in order to save emissions from transportation. Specifically, the team used stone from the site for construction and even highlighted native plants in the outdoor green spaces.
“Rather than expressing the forms as visually dominant white cubes in the landscape, the buildings’ masses are articulated by materials to break down the visual impact of the overall form,” the designers explained in a press release. “The design comprises strong rectilinear forms, carefully proportioned to create an overall harmonious aesthetic.” Not only do the massive stone walls improve energy efficiency throughout the buildings, but they also reduce noise transfer and moderate heat gain as well.
Additionally, each villa is designed with the region’s climate in mind, with consideration of outdoor spaces and living areas dependent on the direction of the wind. Living rooms open up to outdoor terraces and follow the site’s natural topography to provide sweeping views. The private peninsula offers residents the opportunity to live more isolated from the outside world while providing luxurious amenities like secluded beaches, kids’ clubs, restaurants, fitness centers, a residence concierge, a spa, business facilities and more.
Images via SAOTA
