- Project: Casa Pendenza
- Architect: BAD – Başak Akkoyunlu Design
- Location: Turkey, Mamurbaba, Çeşme, İzmir
- Year: 2023
- Area: 340 m2
- Photography: Ozan Çelik
Casa Pendenza, designed by BAD – Başak Akkoyunlu Design, is a striking independent villa located in the sought-after coastal town of Çeşme, İzmir. Completed in 2023, this 340 sqm residence redefines the concept of modern Mediterranean living through its inward-focused layout, elegant material choices, and seamless connection between architecture and landscape.
Set on an 800 sqm plot, Casa Pendenza embraces both privacy and openness. Its L-shaped plan shields the residence from the road while opening toward a lush garden, terrace, and swimming pool. The result is a villa that feels intimate yet expansive, offering a lifestyle that is as much about retreat as it is about social connection.
Inward-Focused Architecture for Privacy and Comfort
The defining concept of Casa Pendenza is its inward-looking design. Unlike neighboring homes that open outward, this villa turns its focus to the private central courtyard. The house is buffered from the road by a stone wall, landscaped barriers, and a separate volume that incorporates a closed garage and service spaces.
At the entrance, a two-story handmade ceramic green wall greets visitors with texture and color, guiding them toward a pivoting front door. This feature not only separates the house from the empty adjacent plot but also adds a touch of artistry to the modern façade.
Inside, a double-height entry hall brings light deep into the home through a guillotine window overlooking the basement garden. A transparent glass bridge on the first floor connects the two wings of the villa, enhancing both spatial drama and openness.
L-Shaped Layout and Lifestyle
The L-shaped plan is more than a stylistic choice—it’s a functional response to the site and lifestyle of its residents.
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Basement level: A hidden retreat featuring a private suite with bathroom, laundry room with chute access from all floors, generous storage, and a lush biophilic garden with mature trees. This space introduces daylight and greenery into areas that would otherwise be concealed.
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Ground floor: A partially double-height living room, a kitchen with a seamless outdoor extension, and a guest bedroom with private bathroom. The living spaces are designed to fully open toward the terrace, outdoor kitchen, and swimming pool, making this level the social heart of the home.
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First floor: Bedrooms with private bathrooms on one side of the plan, and a master suite on the other. The master bedroom features a spacious balcony overlooking the pool and garden, a generous dressing room, and abundant natural light.
The glass bridge spanning the entry hall symbolizes the home’s architectural duality—connection and separation—allowing family members to enjoy both shared and private living.
Materials and Façade Design
Materiality plays a central role in the architectural identity of Casa Pendenza.
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Silver travertine clads the short façade facing the street, framing the dramatic two-story window of the living room.
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Aluminum profiles create rhythmic façade elements that conceal service zones and filter light while giving the villa a distinctive modern appearance.
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Glazing systems provide transparency on the garden-facing sides, erasing boundaries between interior and exterior.
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Natural stone and ceramic details add warmth and artisanal character, contrasting with the clean modern lines.
The combination of stone, ceramic, glass, and aluminum results in a façade that is timeless yet contemporary, rooted in local materials but crafted with modern precision.
Outdoor Living at the Heart of Casa Pendenza
In true Mediterranean tradition, outdoor spaces form the soul of the villa. The central terrace is designed as an extension of the living and dining areas, complete with:
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A swimming pool and sunbathing deck.
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An outdoor kitchen mirroring the interior kitchen in size and function.
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A massive marble dining table that anchors social life.
This arrangement creates a vibrant terrace lifestyle, where family and guests can gather at all hours of the day. Shaded areas ensure comfort during hot summers, while the pool and gardens extend the home’s livable footprint into the landscape.
Sustainability and Modern Comfort
Casa Pendenza reflects BAD’s commitment to sustainable and functional design. The inward orientation shields the home from harsh winds, while natural ventilation and shading reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. Landscaping plays a dual role in creating privacy and improving microclimate comfort.
The villa’s green wall, careful use of local stone, and integration of gardens at multiple levels embody the principles of ecological and biophilic design. Meanwhile, practical features like a laundry chute across three floors and hidden service areas ensure everyday convenience.
