Karakoy Loft / Ofist

Architects: Ofist
Area: 185 m²
Year: 2012
Photography: Koray Erkaya
Architectural Team: Yasemin Arpac, Sabahattin Emir
Mechanical Engineering: DSM Muhendislik
Electrical Engineering: Birtes Elektrik
Stone Works: Oktay Yegin
Wood Works: Aren Dekorasyon
Metal Works: Sen Metal
City: Istanbul
Country: Turkey

Karakoy Loft, a residential penthouse designed by Ofist in Istanbul, has transformed an 180 m² space for a bachelor. Overlooking Getronagan Armenian Church and Galata Tower, the design merges the vibrant neighborhood’s energy with the client’s outdoorsy personality. Key design features include large folding windows a rectangular skylight, an integrated storage wall system, and natural materials throughout the space.

The Karakoy Lounge is an 180 m² penthouse in Istanbul, owned by a 45 years old bachelor. it overlooks the old Armenian church, Getronagan, and Galata Tower on the background.

The house’s location, along with the client’s personality, lifestyle, and needs, were key parameters in the design. Karakoy, historically a commercial hub, is now becoming lively with new art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and hotels. The house is in the midst of this activity. the client’s outdoorsy personality inspired the choice of materials and space design. the concept focuses on natural, neutral, comfortable, and practical elements.

The structural approach aimed to open the space for more light and better views. enlarging the front facade’s window openings and adding new folding frames that slide across the building’s width transformed the living room into a balcony. A large rectangular skylight was added below the pitch’s peak to illuminate the mezzanine.

The design approach was minimalist. The house was evaluated as a single space, designed for one person’s use with intertwined areas. This eliminated the need for many small rooms and distinct design ideas for different spaces. Several design approaches were used throughout;

First, one longitudinal wall was designed as storage. A simple system of iron rods running two floors along the wall length created a versatile grid. Various shelving units and accessories fit into this system, allowing flexible use as a library, woodshed, kitchen storage, or wardrobe.

Second, the opposite longitudinal wall was designed with minimal movement to create a serene side and was covered with natural stone in varied sizes, starting in the living room and continuing up through the bedroom.

Third, the downstairs floors were covered with irregularly angled natural stone, replaced with wood in the north-facing guest bedroom.

Fourth, the mezzanine surfaces were covered with a cement-based material, providing a pleasant feeling for bare feet. The surrounding floor, including the shower and the block containing the bed and bathtub, used the same material.

Fifth, warmth was added with a continuous iroko wood ceiling, which also formed a wide seating unit in front of the window for gatherings.

Finally, the cast-concrete block surface, forming the kitchen counter in an iron frame, steps down to become a cantilevering dining table and ends as a short plinth at the hearth, allowing extra seating around the table.