Hilal Ustun Caner · CLIENT: Hilal Ustun Caner
This design seamlessly blends past and present, preserving historical elements while introducing modern functionality. It respects original architecture while integrating contemporary needs. Meticulous craftsmanship, thoughtful materials, and an intuitive layout emphasize comfort and aesthetic harmony. Interiors reflect neo-classical elegance, modern rustic warmth, and Scandinavian simplicity, with handcrafted furnishings and natural materials enhancing tactile depth. This approach creates a timeless, practical, and elegant space that honors heritage through refined design.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This design seamlessly blends the past and present, preserving historical elements while introducing modern functionality.Its unique strength lies in its ability to respect the original architecture while integrating contemporary needs.Key features include meticulous craftsmanship, thoughtful material choices and an intuitive layout that emphasizes comfort and aesthetic harmony.This approach creates a timeless, elegant space that honors heritage, distinguishing it from conventional design.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The project encompasses four historic mansions, transformed into a boutique hotel with 30 uniquely designed rooms, two restaurants, a wine house, and a patisserie.The first phase, completed in October 2024, introduced 16 rooms within two mansions and the Belforno Italian Restaurant.This design harmoniously merges historical authenticity with contemporary luxury, preserving original architectural elements while integrating modern comforts.
- Tags
- Adaptive reuse, Traditional Turkish house, Boutique hotel design, Heritage preservation, Contemporary reinterpretation, Spatial memory, Unique design and bold contrasts, Eclectic material palette, Cultural storytelling, Immersive spatial experience
- Production Technology
- My design approach was rooted in a deep analysis of the historical layers, using a palimpsest methodology to preserve and reinterpret existing elements. I employed meticulous restoration techniques, retaining original wooden floors, slatted ceilings and stone walls while integrating handcrafted furniture and bespoke materials.The balance of traditional craftsmanship with modern production technologies, such as precision joinery and custom ceramic work, ensured authenticity and refinement.
- Design Challenge
- The core challenge lay in merging historical preservation with modern functionality. Adapting the building's heritage for contemporary hospitality required thorough research and innovative solutions. Structural limitations, legal regulations, and the creation of unique materials and spatial layouts that reflected the character of each area were key. This approach honored the spirit of each space, seamlessly bridging historical heritage with modern functionality, connecting the past and present with precision.
- Project Duration
- The project commenced in December 2022, with on-site construction work initiated in April 2023. The first phase, comprising 16 rooms within two historic mansions and an Italian restaurant, was completed in October 2024 and opened for operation in November 2024.
- Operation Flow
- The adaptive reuse of historical mansions in Kaleici into boutique hotel and restaurants creates a center of social life, serves as a shared space where guests can experience both hospitality and gastronomy in a setting reminiscent of the past.The continuity between open, semi-open and enclosed spaces allows visitors to engage with the historical structure in a warm atmosphere. All rooms is uniquely designed with handcrafted elements, respecting the original layout while ensuring modern comfort.
- Research
- We leveraged qualitative research methodology through site analysis,historical archives of traditional Turkish houses in Kaleici and interviews with past residents of the mansions.The objective is to strengthen cultural heritage,enriche hospitality experiences and set a model for sustainable,history-conscious design.Tools included sketches,3D modeling and material sampling.Insights revealed how layered histories shape spatial memory.
- Inspiration
- My inspiration stemmed from the multi-layered history of Kaleici, where diverse cultures have shaped its architectural fabric over centuries. Rather than imposing a singular design language, I embraced the palimpsest nature of these spaces, preserving their memory while seamlessly integrating contemporary elements.The balance of past and present guided my approach, creating an experiential dialogue between history, craftsmanship and modern elegance.
- Image Credits
- Main Image Credits : Semih Tiryaki Photography, 2024
Optional Image #1 / Credits : Osman Ozcan Photography, 2024
Optional Image #2 / Credits: Osman Ozcan Photography, 2024
Optional Image #3 / Credits : Osman Ozcan Photography, 2024
Optional Image #4 / Credits : Osman Ozcan Photography, 2024
Video Credits: Osman Ozcan, 2025
All images and videos presented in this project were created by Osman Ozcan and all publication rights belong to Hilal Ustun Caner.
Press releases are available in 1 languages.