Zemberek Design overhauled a showroom in İstanbul, Türkiye for lace manufacturer and exporter Antik Dantel. Designed in 2020, the headquarters features private offices, meeting areas, and a food court. The space incorporates arches, lush plants, aluminium profiles, and glass sections that frame lake views.
Working from the building’s pre-existing state, where rough construction was underway, the team adhered to the reinforced concrete structure to complete the facade and interior design. “On the ground floor that is organized as a showroom, we have completely changed the design previously planned as a reinforced concrete system,” the studio said.
Mainly intended for exhibiting lace products and welcoming textile company designers, the showroom aims to facilitate a journey from the building’s entrance to the lake side. Zemberek Design constructed the users’ journey in a segmented flow of differently-sized spaces.
Arches, lined up one after another like a backbone, divide the space into sections to gradually guide visitors throughout the building. They also provide a perception of direction and different perspective possibilities that advance the user in the flow of the building.
The sequence of spaces begins with sections that welcome guests. “Under the glass vault,” the studio continued, “the user unexpectedly encounters a living nature section that appeals to all [the] senses with its dense plants.”
The divided and tightly knit greenery, reminiscent of a jungle, is defined by moist air, scent, and even small birds. The passage concludes at the showroom, which accommodates the working and resting areas.
A secondary section, also characterized by glass vaulting, divides the showroom into two major areas and also provides a large meeting space. There, a third group of plants runs diagonally across the floor space.
Next, a rest area and terrace provide visitors with views of the lake. This space has long, thick couches placed along the arch network. “Use of plants,” they elaborated, “is one of the important aspects of the project, both inside and outside terraces.”
The building, which does not have a functional relationship with its surroundings, establishes its relationship with the area “based on its plant diversity and density,” the studio added.
“The language and material choices in the interior design were made to maintain the modern and modest attitude,” they continued. On the façade, aluminium profiles of vintage tones and window glasses of different shades and textures were used.
In the details, materials such as brass, marble, glass, wood and velvet fabric dominate the design, forming an elegant integrity. To match the structural integrity of the company, the brass and wood details are handcrafted.
Said to convey care and precision in the company’s stance, large surface areas like floors and walls feature calm, brutalist appearances achieved with concrete and concrete derived materials.
