Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2026
Ciftci Towers Elysia Wellness Interior
by Esra Basmaz Interior Architecture
- A' Design Award 2026 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Esra Basmaz Interior Design Studio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 6,531
- Verification code 36A4F504DA · Verify this award
About Ciftci Towers Elysia Wellness Interior
Elysia, located within Ciftci Towers in Istanbul, interprets the city's layered context through a calm and cohesive interior language. References to the Bosphorus are expressed through fluid spatial transitions, while wood surfaces, water elements, and controlled lighting define a continuous sequence across spa, pool, and fitness areas. Biophilic cues support sensory balance, while the layout enables a gradual detachment from surrounding urban intensity. The project emphasizes material clarity and measured geometry to create a composed and immersive environment.
Esra Basmaz's Ciftci Towers Elysia Wellness Interior situates itself within the contemporary discourse surrounding wellness architecture and biophilic design principles that have emerged prominently in residential and hospitality environments over recent decades, responding to urban dwellers' intensified desire for restorative sanctuary spaces that reconnect inhabitants with natural elements while maintaining sophisticated material refinement and spatial clarity, the design demonstrates accomplished integration of seemingly oppositional qualities, balancing abundant organic presence against minimalist architectural discipline, achieving neither the overgrown romanticism of Victorian conservatories nor the austere severity of purely geometric modernism, instead negotiating a middle path that honors both verdant vitality and contemporary restraint, the compositional intelligence reveals itself in the careful calibration of visual weight distribution, the lush botanical assemblage concentrated predominantly left creates dynamic asymmetry balanced by the centered seating platform and the vertical emphasis of the illuminated panel, establishing multiple focal points that encourage progressive spatial reading rather than static singular focus, the chromatic strategy exhibits notable sophistication in its disciplined limitation, the palette's foundation in earth-derived tones, warm timber ochres, deep charcoal browns, and cool stone grays, provides grounding stability that allows the aquamarine pool water and emerald foliage to function as vivid chromatic events without overwhelming the composition, the lighting design merits particular attention for its contribution to atmospheric quality, concealed sources create the illusion of platform levitation through perimeter uplighting while maintaining human-scale intimacy rather than theatrical drama, the slatted architectural screen demonstrates how rhythmic geometric pattern can simultaneously define spatial boundary and maintain visual permeability, its vertical cadence creating textural richness through shadow and void while the central illuminated panel offers luminous respite, material selection throughout evidences attention to tactile experience and durability appropriate to aquatic proximity, water-resistant timber species, moisture-tolerant upholstery, sealed stone surfaces, suggesting both aesthetic intention and functional pragmatism, the integration of living botanical elements transforms the space from mere architectural container into dynamic environment subject to seasonal variation and organic growth, introducing temporal dimension and maintenance narrative that connects users to cycles beyond static built form, this work invites consideration of how contemporary interiors might serve not merely as aesthetic backdrops but as active participants in occupant wellbeing, spaces designed intentionally to lower cortisol, encourage deeper breathing, and facilitate the parasympathetic restoration increasingly recognized as essential to human health in demanding urban contexts, one might contemplate how the careful orchestration of material, light, water, and living vegetation creates conditions for both physical rejuvenation and psychological refuge, offering sanctuary that honors human need for beauty, tranquility, and connection to natural rhythms even within constructed metropolitan environments.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Structured in four distinct parts, the project unfolds from the entrance through uninterrupted layers of lines that define its primary guiding geometry, while occasional circular forms soften the contours. Tailored lighting scenarios combine with fine mineral-plaster walls to establish a genuine retreat atmosphere. Reflections of tropical greenery on water, the warmth of wood, and stone-look porcelain enriched with deep hues integrate with biophilic principles and moisture resistant technologies, transforming spa, pool, and fitness zones into a unified sensory experience.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Elysia unfolds across 1,275 m2 total construction area, where 1,010 m2 of refined interior wellness space is complemented by 265 m2 of semi-open terraces and garden zones. Key program elements include a 12 m x5 m indoor pool (140 m2 net) and a 25.2 m × 12.2 m outdoor pool, 110 m2 fitness, 57 m2 pilates, 20 m2 massage, 70 m2 women’s and 70 m2 men’s spa, and a 44 m2 winter garden. Ceiling heights vary between 3.2 m and 4.5 m, calibrated for natural ventilation, acoustic balance, and adaptive lighting automation.
- Tags
- luxury design, luxury spa design, residential wellness, luxury interior architecture, biophilic design, spa and fitness, concept design interior, interior design ideas, esra basmaz icmimarlik, esrabasmaz interior design studio
- Production Technology
- Every material and construction detail in Elysia was conceived as part of a holistic architectural narrative. Large format porcelain tiles on floors and selected walls offer quiet elegance with advanced slip resistance that ensures hygiene and safety in wet zones. Untiled walls are finished with mineral plaster chosen for long-term moisture resistance and acoustic softness, providing a gentle counterpoint to porcelain. Acoustic baffle ceilings and precise lighting automation sculpt light and sound over time, enriching a serene and luxurious spatial experience.
- Design Challenge
- The main creative challenge was to transform a dense urban high-rise core into a serene, luxurious wellness retreat. The existing plan connected primary spaces through corridors totaling 64 meters, making them feel fragmented and lacking the intimate atmosphere essential for a spa. Turning this constraint into an asset, the corridors were reimagined with rhythmic wooden slats, raw textures, deep hues, and dim lighting; accompanied by soft music, they now create a mystical journey and provide secluded calm and quiet luxury.
- Project Duration
- The project started in June 2024 and finished in June 2025 in Istanbul, Turkiye
- Operation Flow
- Guests step from a quiet reception into corridors that feel like softly layered passages of time, where custom wooden slats cast gentle shadows and create depth. Boutique wayfinding signs, designed as architectural jewels, guide movement almost imperceptibly. Along the path, raw textured plaster walls embrace visitors with a sense of refuge and calm, while acoustic surfaces and responsive lighting shape mood and pace. From spa to fitness to pools, the journey unfolds as a harmonious architectural promenade of serenity.
- Research
- This project is based on qualitative design research to create a luxurious, comfort driven wellness experience within an urban residence. The study combined biophilic and wellness design literature, site analyses of premium spa facilities, and acoustic–material performance tests. Insights from spa and fitness professionals refined functional needs. Findings led to Slip resistant porcelain, moisture resistant decorative plaster and paint for humidity and sound control, acoustic baffle ceilings, and lighting automation. The research delivers a setting where residential luxury, comfort, and well being converge, enriching both interior architecture and daily urban life.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by Istanbul’s multilayered history and the fluid rhythm of the Bosphorus, interior architect Esra Basmaz conceived Elysia as a tranquil urban refuge. This stratification is conveyed through the varying depths of ceilings and walls. In circulation areas, preserved ceiling heights gain a second layer of floating wooden slats that extend linear textures overhead while turning concealed light into a quiet flow. This composition reinforces the sense of spatial retreat; Elysia stands as an architectural expression of an inner journey shaped by serene material language and timeless, measured elegance.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer / Interior Photographer Burak Teoman, Elysia - Ciftci Towers Wellness Interior, 2025.
Image #2: Photographer / Interior Photographer Burak Teoman, Elysia - Ciftci Towers Wellness Interior, 2025.
Image #3: Photographer / Interior Photographer Burak Teoman, Elysia - Ciftci Towers Wellness Interior, 2025.
Image #4: Photographer / Interior Photographer Burak Teoman, Elysia - Ciftci Towers Wellness Interior, 2025.
Image #5: Photographer / Interior Photographer Burak Teoman, Elysia - Ciftci Towers Wellness Interior, 2025. - Patents
- Esra Basmaz Interior Design Studio 2025