Cypress Hill

At KM DesignWorks, the Cypress Hill project reimagines a 1980s family apartment building through the lens of a new and current design scenario. Situated on approximately 2,000 square meters of land, the structure spans an 8-storey elevation difference and enjoys uninterrupted, panoramic views of Bebek Bay and its surrounding grove from every level.

Approached with respect for its original architectural character, the building has been thoughtfully reconfigured to meet the needs of contemporary life. The varying floor levels not only enhance the relationship between the structure and its topography but also allow for a continuous visual dialogue with the landscape and sea across all floors.

This relationship with the land is also reflected in the material strategy. To harmonize the building’s presence on a sloped terrain, the lower levels are clad in granite — anchoring the structure with a sense of permanence — while the upper floors are wrapped in precast concrete panels that lend a lighter, more current expression. This contrast creates a balanced composition and a refined integration with the site.

The two lowest levels of the building are reserved for shared social spaces, which seamlessly connect to the adjacent grove that extends toward Bebek. These spaces form a gentle contrast to the dense urban fabric of Istanbul, offering a private and serene cocoon for the family — a place of calm, reflection, and retreat.

Cypress Hill is a project that bridges the architectural traces of the past with the sensibilities of today. It is shaped around a careful interplay of material, view, and space — a quiet transformation that honors both the site and the evolving rhythm of family life.