In a picturesque spot among the foundations of an old stone wall in the Kozak Plateau in Turkey, this hillside cabin by Ediz Demirel Works offers visitors a compact retreat designed for short term escapes in nature. Conceived as a quiet presence in a former vineyard, the cabin rests lightly on the land, utilising the existing dry stone terrace wall as a base to impart minimal impact and upheaval while bringing a bold architectural statement. Wrapped in prefabricated Corten steel panels, the structure is raised on a sturdy metal frame, its angular symmetry contrasting with its rugged natural surroundings while echoing their raw textures with its weathered patina.Â
At the heart of the cabin lies a sunken central core – imagined by the architects to be a modern interpretation of the traditional ‘conversation pit’, a space designed for gathering, storytelling, and sharing fireside moments. This sculptural interior space is embedded in the landscape, providing a deep sense of intimacy and immersion. Surrounding the core living space are functional areas, including a wet room, storage zone, and a compact mezzanine which accommodates sleep and work areas. A horizontal slice in the cabin’s shell was placed to frame the incredible panoramic views of the surrounding forest and hills, while elsewhere, angular windows were placed across the façade to create playful, eye-like openings that blur the line between inside and out.Â
Despite the contrast between the structure’s manmade materials and the dusty, rocky terrain, the cabin fits right in, both strikingly bold and sensitively anchored within the landscape, creating a fittingly imaginative retreat that does justice to its surroundings. More projects by Ediz Demirel Works.
Photography © Egemen Karakaya
