Citlik House by Pin Architects
Designed in 2017 by Pin Architects, Citlik House is a timeless two-story house situated in the Muğla Province, Turkey.
About Citlik House
An Enchanting Legacy of the Citlik Tree
In this region, the Citlik tree, a revered symbol, stands tall and mighty. Myth suggests that once someone tastes its fruit, they’re bound to the area. Intrigued by this legend, the owners felt an undeniable pull to this unique locale. Consequently, they decided this was the ideal spot for their new home.
A Vision Beyond Brick and Mortar
Yearning for a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern transparency, the client sought a design that was both cost-effective and aesthetic. Moreover, they envisioned more than just a shelter; they imagined a life without boundaries. The owner, a botanist at heart, aspired for the home’s design to seamlessly extend into the surrounding landscape. On the other hand, her partner, an off-road biking aficionado, desired a habitat reflecting their shared passion for the environment.
Where Nature and Architecture Coalesce
Initially, the design aimed to blend the ground floor harmoniously with nature, using unembellished materials, all while being budget-friendly. Designed for a middle-aged couple keen on simplifying their lives, the home boasts of minimalistic materials paired with high-quality detailing. In addition, its open spaces and transparent facades masterfully weave the indoors and outdoors into one. This ingenious union of uncomplicated materials and a deliberate fusion of nature and structure renders the design both distinct and ageless.
Thoughtfully Curated Structures
Across the property, three distinct units stand: a multi-purpose garage, a utility house, and a car parking space. Strategically nestled in the southeast corner, surrounded by greenery, is the owner’s beloved greenhouse. Chosen after careful solar studies, this location maximizes the native yard space available for planting. Amidst the total of ten trees, including a blend of olive and other native species, the solitary Citlik tree commands attention. Consequently, the home’s design emphasizes these natural wonders, especially through the expansive ground-floor windows. Additionally, 1.5m (approximately 4.9 feet) full-height windows afford residents breathtaking vistas of verdant hills, serene skylines, and expansive daphne tree plantations. This secluded sanctuary remains blissfully detached, with only a few neighboring homes peppering the horizon.
Meticulous Craftsmanship and Materials
The structure, a symphony of concrete, aluminium-framed glass, and wood, exemplifies our foundational design principles. Committed to using only pristine materials, we aim to magnify their collective beauty and create the perfect ambiance. These choices not only uphold our design’s integrity but also make the project more economical. However, such minimalism also magnifies the builder’s challenge, demanding absolute precision, especially when crafting details like concrete walls, steel beams, and cantilevers.
A Ripple Effect in the Community
But our aspirations stretch beyond construction. Eager to empower local builders, we nurture a relationship of mutual growth, enriching our shared understanding of architecture. This project, beyond directly benefiting the owners, resonates deeply with the land, its people, and the overarching culture. Ultimately, it stands as a beacon where knowledge, experience, and lifestyle harmoniously intersect, casting a positive shadow across the community.
Photography courtesy of Pin Architects
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- by Matt Watts
