Terraced Horizon ヴィラ by Dilek Karaman is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銅賞 in 建築・建物・構造物デザイン Competition Category.
銅建築· 2026
Terraced Horizon ヴィラ
Client: Dk Interior Architecture
A' Design Award 銅賞 Winner in 建築 Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #179519The Design
About Terraced Horizon ヴィラ
テラス・ホライズン・ヴィラは、森に覆われた斜面の延長として構想された現代的な丘陵地の住宅です。積層する水平のテラスが地形に沿って段階的に配置され、下層階を地中に埋め込みつつ、上層のボリュームを深いキャンティレバーによって前方へ張り出しています。パノラマのLow-Eガラスと際立った水平の陰影のラインが、自然光を室内の奥深くまで導き、眺望を広げることで、室内の生活と風景との連続的な関係性を強めています。急峻な地形は、居住可能なプラットフォームと屋外のホライズンが連なる穏やかなシークエンスへと再構成され、陰影のあるエッジとテラスが季節を通じた快適さを支えています。
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award 銅賞
Terraced Horizon ヴィラは、創造性、独創性、鋭い洞察力で際立つ傑出したデザインに授与される、高い権威をもつ評価である A' Design Award 銅賞の受賞作品です。銅賞の受賞作品は、十分に巧みで印象的なほど創造的な工芸品であり、デザイナーの豊富な経験、想像力、機知を裏づけています。Terraced Horizon ヴィラは、高く評価され、称賛され、愛される品であり、顕著にプロフェッショナルで革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銅賞を受賞したデザインは、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術のベストプラクティスを取り入れており、細部への配慮に優れています。Terraced Horizon ヴィラは、ニーズを見事に満たし、欲求に触れ、感情を魅了し、好奇心を引きつけます。
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- 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.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The villa has an estimated total construction area of approximately 1200 to 1500 square meters organized across three main spatial layers. Lower level garage technical rooms and service spaces embedded into the terrain. Main level open living areas kitchen dining and outdoor terraces
Terraced Horizon has an estimated gross built area of 1200 to 1500 square meters, arranged in three layers. The lower level includes the garage, technical rooms, and service spaces embedded into the slope. The main level contains open plan living, kitchen, dining, and outdoor terraces. The upper level houses bedrooms, private suites, and panoramic balconies. The structure combines reinforced concrete retaining walls with steel supported cantilever slabs. The envelope uses high performance low e glazing, natural stone cladding, and composite panels. Passive comfort is supported by deep overhangs, shaded terraces, and cross ventilation. - 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.
- 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 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.
- Team Members
- Dilek Karaman
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