Terraced Horizon

Villa for Dk Interior Architecture

Terraced Horizon Villa is a contemporary hillside residence conceived as a continuation of its forested slope. Layered horizontal terraces step with the terrain, embedding lower floors while projecting upper volumes through deep cantilevers. Panoramic low e glazing and pronounced horizontal shadow lines draw daylight deep inside and extend views, reinforcing a continuous relationship between interior life and landscape. The steep topography is reconfigured into a calm sequence of inhabitable platforms and outdoor horizons, where shaded edges and terraces support comfort across seasons.

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Terraced Horizon by Dilek Karaman

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Villa by Dilek Karaman

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Dilek Karaman Terraced Horizon

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Dilek Karaman Villa

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Unique Properties

Terraced Horizon is conceived as a series of horizontal platforms integrated into a sloping forested terrain. Lower levels are embedded into the ground, while upper volumes extend outward through deep cantilevers toward the landscape. Large glazed facades and pronounced horizontal roof lines create a layered architectural identity that strengthens the visual and spatial connection between interior living spaces and the surrounding nature.

Tags

Hillside villa, terraced architecture, luxury residence, cantilevered house, layered design, landscape integrated architecture, panoramic villa, contemporary concrete house, Istanbul architecture.

Production Technology

The villa uses a hybrid concrete and steel structural system. Reinforced concrete cores and retaining walls anchor the building to the sloped site, while steel beams and cantilevered slabs extend upper volumes over the landscape. Large format low e glazing with deep horizontal frames provides passive shading. Finishes combine natural stone, exposed architectural concrete, and wood textured composites. Recessed LED lines define walls, stair edges, and landscape at night.

Design Challenge

The primary challenge was to achieve a sense of architectural lightness while working with heavy structural systems required by the sloping site Large cantilevers had to be structurally efficient without dominating the visual expression. Another key challenge was preserving uninterrupted views while ensuring solar protection and privacy This was addressed through deep horizontal frames recessed glazing and a layered facade strategy. The final design creates a balance between landscape structure and living space transforming a steep hillside into an inhabitable architectural terrain.

Project Duration

Designed and developed between 2024 and 2025, the project is located on a forested hillside site in Istanbul, Turkiye.

Operation Flow

Arrival occurs at the uppermost level through a landscaped approach. From this point, the house unfolds downward through a sequence of terraces and internal connections. Circulation is guided horizontally along panoramic facades, enabling continuous engagement with the landscape. Large sliding openings allow interior spaces to expand seamlessly into outdoor terraces. Vehicle access and garage functions are discreetly located at the lower level, separating service circulation from the main residential experience.

Research

The project investigates how contemporary residential architecture can integrate with steep topography while maintaining spatial openness and visual continuity. Research focused on structural strategies for large cantilevers daylight penetration in terraced buildings and environmental benefits of layered shading. Material studies explored the balance between heavy grounded surfaces and transparent lightweight facades Climatic research prioritized passive cooling through shading natural ventilation and thermal mass.

Inspiration

The project is inspired by the natural stratification of landforms and the gradual shaping of hillsides over time. Drawing from the logic of terraces and natural plateaus, the architecture translates these principles into a contemporary residential language. Strong horizontal lines reflect the stability of the terrain and the rhythm of the surrounding forest, allowing the villa to read as a constructed landscape rather than an object placed upon it.

Project Overview

Terraced Horizon Villa has been a Bronze winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Dilek Karaman.

Bronze Recognition

Dilek Karaman was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work Terraced Horizon Villa.

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