The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bodrum Designed by SAOTA

Project: Ritz-Carlton Residences
Architecture: SAOTA
Location: Bodrum, Turkey
Area: 126,000 sqm
Year 2021

Designed by South African architecture studio SAOTA and developed by Aksoy Holding of Turkey, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bodrum is the first stand-alone branded residences for Marriott International in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Set on a 126,000 sqm private peninsula, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bodrum is in Yalıkavak, a coastal resort town of Bodrum surrounded by the Aegean Sea.

The 74 private villas in three types with ten different options include open floor plans ranging from two to five bedrooms with a private heated swimming pool, a landscaped garden, cabana and sun terraces, a pond at the entrance, a laundry room and an advanced technical room for each.

The overall aesthetic is a contemporary interpretation of traditional vernacular. Designed to align with the architectural and environmental characteristics of Bodrum, the development blends with its surrounding contexts using locally sourced material, stone from the site and indigenous landscaping. Rather than expressing the forms as visually dominant white cubes in the landscape, the buildings’ masses are articulated by materials to break down the visual impact of the overall form. The design comprises strong rectilinear forms, carefully proportioned to create an overall harmonious aesthetic. The planted roof and mass stone walls improve energy efficiency, reduce noise transfer and moderate heat gain.

The seamless indoor-outdoor living relationship extends the experience from the rear retaining walls to the furthest front deck. Each villa is uniquely designed with the response to regional climate in mind; some with the primary outdoor space and pool in front of the living area, others at the back with private courtyards sheltered from northern winds. The living room opens out onto a series of outdoor terraces that tumble down the landscape, following the natural topography of the site, creating intimate outdoor spaces that integrate with nature and capitalize on views.

The private peninsula also introduces the concept of barefoot luxury to its residents and offers an isolated lifestyle that is far from the crowd. The development also includes a secluded sand beach, sun terraces, a community pool, a swimmable natural pond, kids club, restaurant, fitness centre, residence concierge and clubhouse with an owner’s lounge, spa, media and business room facilities.