Les Gradins d’Afta

Living with the contours of the land

Les Gradins d’Afta is a residential development of detached and semi-detached villas designed for the Tepeören neighbourhood in Istanbul’s Tuzla district. A.A.Y Mimarlık undertook the architectural design and obtained the building permit. The permit was issued in 2026; construction has not yet started.

The layout responds to a site that slopes in two directions. The villas form a stepped arrangement, following the natural changes in level. This approach allows the houses to avoid obstructing one another’s views and preserves each home’s visual connection with its surroundings. The slope becomes an opportunity to shape the spatial organisation of the development.

The architectural language brings together pale façade surfaces, warm timber textures and dark horizontal eaves. Vertical façade elements give rhythm to the composition, while generous glazed openings, balconies and terraces facing the gardens strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor living. A shared façade vocabulary gives coherence to the detached and semi-detached villa types.

Shared spaces complement the private gardens as part of the development’s approach to residential life. A communal pool, sports hall, hammam, spa, fitness area and children’s playground provide places for different age groups to relax, exercise and gather. Individual homes are thus supported by social spaces shared across the development.