The bay Cennet Koyu, which has managed to preserve its virginity, is perhaps the last of its kind in the area. Naturally Protected from severe winter storms the Bay forms a Natural Marina and the Cove has become a popular destination for boats and yachts in the summer. Located between Göltürkbükü and Torba, it is known to the locals as Paradise Bay and is one of the last remaining areas not destroyed by catastrophic forest fires that have beset the region. The beautiful hillside is littered with pine trees framing this captivating setting. The protected harbour is a refuge for yachts and allows for swimming in swimming pool like conditions in the morning before the afternoon breeze comes in.
Il Riccio Beach House is located at the opening of Cennet Koyu and has become a destination for some of Turkey’s high income tourism with visitors touring the coastline and justifying the popular citing of Türkbükü as the Saint-Tropez of Turkey (The St.-Tropez of Turkey, NY Times, August 20, 2006).
Scape Design was appointed by Doğuş Group with Rome based architect Fabrizia Frezzo, to transform the structural shell into a world class retreat immersed in lush greenery. The structural building shell was already in place and previous interventions had left the site derelict with some beautiful coastal trees but with minimal site planning. Invasive coastal planting species were starting to dominate the fringes of the site and no landscape strategy had been prepared and limited consideration for the future of the setting.
Scape Design were responsible for the landscape design and detailing of the external areas including the arrival, swimming pool, main terraces, spa roof terrace, waterfront and jetties. Our vision was to create a seamless connection between the architecture and a landscape that echoes the indigenous ‘mosaic habitat’ and charts the romantic journey of emerging from the crystal sea of the Aegean and walking the hillsides to discover Olive Groves and forests of Aleppo pines.
The programme for the main Phase 1 works was incredibly fast. From the design commissioned in early February 2015 to soft opening 4 months later in June 2015. Collaboration is a core value of Scape Design and as such we spent a considerable amount of time on site during construction, representing the client and working closely with the site team and local suppliers, contributing to the ultimate success of the finished project. The design was intended to feel part of the indigenous landscape and sourcing as many materials, plants and products locally and regionally was a central philosophy of the construction process. This approach provided the client with a very positive return on investment, with increased support for the development amongst the local population. Il Riccio Beach House opened in 2016 with the Spa and guest rooms opening the following year. Since opening it has been taken over with new management and is now rebranding as Villa Macakizi in 2019
EMBRACED BY NATURE
From the sheer rock backdrop to the crystal blue water of this challenging site, the setting was already embraced by natural beauty. Using this fragile state to create an immersive destination is where the weight of responsibility lies. Scape Design were appointed to develop and implement a thoroughly robust set of design principles by which to employ this picturesque setting in Bodrum for a destination with ‘day one’ impact, that not only protects its natural beauty, but which promotes the environment throughout.
Our vision was to create a seamless connection between the architecture and a landscape that echoes the indigenous ‘mosaic habitat’ and charts the romantic journey of emerging from the crystal sea of the Aegean and walking the hillsides to discover Olive Groves and forests of Aleppo pines. With over a 30m level change from the entry road to the sea, this narrative was realised in a sequential experience, with destinations and vistas unfolding on a series of terraces and through pathways dramatically descending the hillside.
Other designers involved in the design of landscape:
STUDIO FREZZA FABRIZIA FREZZA
Project location
Il Riccio Beach House
Göltürkbükü Mahallesi
316 Sokak No: 10/1
Bodrum, Muğla, TURKEY
Design year: 2015
Year Built: 2016/2017
Project Links:
https://villamacakizi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ilricciobodrum
