March 7, 2019

It’s becoming more common for people to work out of their own homes. One client of Izmir, Turkey-based Yerce Architecture decided to do just that and convert a standard flat into both their private home and a photography studio. While the ground floor would fulfill the needs of the studio and exhibition space, the upper floor would have the office, kitchen and living rooms.

Social Kitchen
In Aegean culture, food preparation and cooking are very important, so it was essential to the client that the kitchen acted as a socializing area. To do this, the design team laid out a long island with plenty of seating and open spaces to gather. The owner is also an expert of wines and olive oils, so the kitchen includes a wine storage unit, and the owner’s olive oils are displayed in a floor-to-ceiling glass, back-lit cabinet.

“In this way the tones of that particular yellowish green of olive oils – each from a different stage – are highlighted and become an interest point,” said architect Nail Egemen Yerce.

The kitchen might be totally outfitted with modern food prep amenities, but the materials were chosen to give the room a warm and welcoming feel. The island is topped with walnut, contrasting the glossy, Euro-style, gray cabinetry. Open wood shelving and black appliances, including a decorative black hood, also warm up the space. Sliding glass doors connect the kitchen to the outside terrace, where bamboo and other local plants are illuminated at night.

Unusual Bathroom
The bathroom on the ground floor is one of the owner’s favorite spots, but it started with a challenge.

“This little toilet was a place where we had to deal with serious height restriction,” said the architect. “However, the position of a beam triggered the idea of a vault form inside.”

Now with vaulted ceilings and several reflective surfaces, the bathroom no longer feels too small. These tall ceilings and the mix of natural materials like stone and wood also make it a unique place to shoot portraits.

“The room could almost look like a ‘cave’ where you can get isolated and stay within  yourself,” added Yerce.

Photography by Emin Emrah Yerce, Yerce Art Photography