Located along the Aegean Sea in Mura, southwest Türkiye, the Dolunay Estate is thoughtfully designed to maximize breathtaking sea views by carefully considering the local terrain and geographical features. Visitors can access the property from the northern side via a winding road leading to the estate’s drop-off point. The architect skillfully took advantage of the site’s natural conditions by designing a low-rise building that appears as a single story when viewed from one direction.
△ Project location map
Surrounding the estate, the architect planted fragrant herbs such as thyme, lavender, and olive trees, creating a rich sensory experience that changes with the seasons. The main entrance opens into key areas of the estate, including a private eastern space with stunning views and a western living and dining area where one can enjoy the sunrise over the Aegean Sea.
The spatial design employs a “close then open” rhythm, ensuring varying degrees of privacy throughout the estate. A large glass door on one facade blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. This door can slide fully open along a track, seamlessly connecting the interior with the exterior spaces.
In collaboration with Swiss company Blumer Lehmann, the architect designed the villa’s roof as a handcrafted raised wooden structure. This prefabricated roof uses specialized processing techniques and contains less carbon than traditional concrete roofs, supporting the project’s sustainability goals. The wooden roof frame is supported by steel columns, enabling a large 7.5-meter overhang that offers abundant shading for outdoor areas.
The villa’s central staircase is crafted from durable Portuguese limestone, connecting the first and second floors. A specially designed cable runs through the stone, supporting the staircase via back tension, leaving no visible structural elements on the exterior. Transparent glass tubes form the staircase’s railings, paired with curved wooden handrails, resulting in a clean, light, and elegant staircase design.
△ Flat rendering image
Every interior element of the villa is tailored to the owners’ specific needs, from handcrafted solid wood doors to custom bathroom tiles and basins, reflecting exceptional craftsmanship. Additionally, the architect designed a sunset pavilion along the coast, featuring natural stone walls and curved bamboo strips, complemented by olive trees and wooden tables.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment, the interior design prominently features stone and wood materials with warm brown, bronze, and beach gray tones. Leather furniture and oak elements contribute to a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere throughout the space.
Design Drawings
△ Ground floor plan
△ Lower floor plan
△ South and North elevations
△ West elevation view
Project Information
Project type: Independent residential building
Project location: Muğla, Türkiye
Architect: Foster+Partners
Area: 1668.0 square meters
Project year: 2019
Photographer: Nigel Young / Foster+Partners
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