Terraced Horizon Primary Function: Villa by Dilek Karaman is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award in Usanifu wa Majengo, Ujenzi na Miundo Competition Category.
ShabaUsanifu wa Majengo· 2026
Terraced Horizon Primary Function: Villa
Client: Dk Interior Architecture
Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award Winner in Usanifu wa Majengo Category
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About Terraced Horizon Primary Function: Villa
Book Text: Villa ya Terraced Horizon ni makazi ya kisasa yaliyoko mlimani yaliyobuniwa kama mwendelezo wa mteremko wake wenye msitu. Matabaka ya matuta ya mlalo yanaporomoka pamoja na ardhi, yakizika sakafu za chini huku yakisukuma sehemu za juu kupitia mifereji mirefu inayoning'inia. Vioo vya mtazamo mpana vyenye kupunguza joto na mistari mizito ya kivuli ya mlalo huvuta mwanga wa mchana ndani kabisa na kupanua mandhari, hivyo kuimarisha uhusiano endelevu kati ya maisha ya ndani na mandhari. Ardhi yenye mteremko mkali imepangwa upya kuwa mfululizo tulivu wa majukwaa yanayoweza kuishiwa na anga za nje, ambapo kingo zenye kivuli na matuta huhakikisha faraja katika misimu yote.
The Recognition
About the Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award
Terraced Horizon Primary Function: Villa ni mshindi wa Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award, utambuzi wenye heshima kubwa unaotolewa kwa miundo bora inayotofautishwa kwa ubunifu, ustadi na busara. Washindi wa Shaba ni kazi za ufundi mwingi na bunifu ya kushangaza zinazothibitisha uzoefu mpana, mawazo na ustadi wa wabunifu wao. Terraced Horizon Primary Function: Villa inatarajiwa kuwa kitu kinachothaminiwa sana, kupendwa na kuenziwa, ambacho ni cha kitaalamu na bunifu kwa kiasi kikubwa. Muundo huu ulioshinda Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award unajumuisha mbinu bora katika sanaa, sayansi, usanifu na teknolojia, na ni bora kwa umakini wake kwa undani. Terraced Horizon Primary Function: Villa hutosheleza mahitaji kwa uzuri, hugusa hamu, huvutia hisia na kuvutia udadisi.
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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