Terraced Horizon 別墅 by Dilek Karaman is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銅獎 in 建築、樓宇及結構設計 Competition Category.

銅建築· 2026

Terraced Horizon 別墅

by Dilek Karaman

Client: Dk Interior Architecture

A' Design Award 銅獎 Winner in 建築 Category

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The Design

About Terraced Horizon 別墅

梯級地平線別墅係一座當代山坡住宅,構思上作為林木斜坡嘅自然延續。層疊嘅水平露台順應地形逐級而上,將低層樓面嵌入山體,同時透過深遠嘅懸挑結構將上層體量向外伸展。全景低輻射(Low-E)玻璃同鮮明嘅水平陰影線將日光深深引入室內並延展視野,強化咗室內生活同景觀之間連綿不斷嘅關係。陡峭嘅地勢被重新塑造成一系列寧靜嘅可居住平台同戶外地平線,遮蔭嘅邊緣同露台令四季都保持舒適。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅獎

Terraced Horizon 別墅是 A' Design Award 銅獎得主，這是授予以創造力、獨創性和敏銳見長的傑出設計的極具聲望的認可。銅獎得主是技藝嫻熟、創意驚人的作品，印證了其設計師豐富的經驗、想像力與機智。預計Terraced Horizon 別墅將成為一件備受推崇、令人欽佩且被珍愛的物品，兼具顯著的專業性與創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銅獎的設計融入藝術、科學、設計和技術領域的最佳實踐，並因注重細節而出類拔萃。Terraced Horizon 別墅出色地滿足需求，觸動渴望，迷住情感，並吸引好奇心。

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