Interview about Royal Residential Complex, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2025
Royal Residence is a modern residential complex featuring two 13 story towers and one 7 story tower, with 200 apartments, including villa style garden duplexes. The design focuses on efficient space utilization with a range of one bedroom to four bedroom units. Key amenities include a 2,200 square meter seawater pool, a 350 meter adventure canal for water sports, a children s pool, thermal pool, sports courts, Turkish bath, sauna, and expansive social areas, promoting a balanced and luxurious living environment. It offers a comfortable lifestyle in harmony with nature.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsOur vision for Royal Residential Complex was to create a living environment that goes beyond standard amenities by making water a core element of daily life. Situated in Erdemli with its Mediterranean coastal context, we designed a 2,200 m² seawater pool and a 350 m adventure canal to evoke the sea even within the residence. This concept emerged from studying cultural connections to water in local history and from research showing that immersive water environments improve well‑being. By blending relaxation, play, and social gathering around water, we aimed to foster community, elevate experience, and anchor the project firmly in its coastal identity.
Balancing modernity and heritage in Erdemli meant more than mixing styles – it required creating a meaningful dialogue. We drew inspiration from ancient civilizations like the Hitites, Romans, and Byzantines, then reinterpreted arches and columns using contemporary proportions and materials. Arches were refined to align with tower elevations and used to frame sea views and communal spaces. Using BIM modeling we tested several iterations to ensure classical forms felt fresh, not copied. The result merges historical form language with modern architecture – honoring place without losing identity.
As the project evolved, our sustainability strategies focused on balancing scale with environmental responsibility. We prioritized passive design principles, such as natural ventilation and daylight use, and integrated energy-efficient systems like smart HVAC, solar-ready infrastructure, and greywater recycling. Landscape elements, including green roofs and native plantings, help manage heat and water runoff. Our goal was to reduce long-term environmental impact while maximizing thermal comfort, energy savings, and quality of life for all residents.
The integration of smart systems and responsive lighting was designed to create a living environment that feels intuitive and alive. Sensors detect changes in wind, temperature, and natural light, adjusting outdoor illumination to enhance visual comfort and ambiance. Indoors, residents can control lighting, climate, and security via mobile devices or voice commands. These features increase safety, energy efficiency, and emotional well-being by creating a personalized, adaptive atmosphere that aligns with daily habits and natural rhythms.
Winning the Bronze A' Design Award was a proud milestone for our studio. It reinforced our belief in combining innovation with sustainability and heritage. This recognition motivated us to take bolder steps in our future residential work, strengthened our design narratives, and helped build trust with clients and collaborators. The visibility and credibility provided by A' Design Award opened new opportunities and encouraged us to pursue more ambitious, research-driven solutions in upcoming projects.
Our decision to include thermal pools and wellness areas was guided by extensive research on global health trends and user preferences. We analyzed wellness-focused developments in Europe and Asia, and studied how natural thermal resources improve physical and mental well-being. Surveys and feedback from local residents also highlighted a growing demand for spaces that support relaxation and health. This data shaped a design approach centered on comfort, healing, and the daily well-being of residents.
We conducted detailed market analysis and demographic research in Erdemli and surrounding regions to understand the lifestyle needs of potential residents. The results showed a demand for both compact family units and spacious private homes with garden access. Younger families preferred modern apartments with smart systems, while multi-generational households favored larger units. This data guided our decision to offer a diverse range of residences, creating a flexible and inclusive community within the Royal Residential Complex.
Using BIM technology allowed us to coordinate architectural, structural, and mechanical systems with high accuracy. For example, the complex integration of seawater pools and thermal systems required precise modeling to avoid spatial conflicts and ensure efficient operation. BIM also enabled real-time adjustments during design development, helping us optimize energy performance and reduce material waste. This approach improved construction efficiency, minimized errors, and enhanced the overall quality of the final design.
To meet the projected completion date without compromising quality, we implemented a phased construction strategy supported by BIM-based scheduling. This allowed for parallel progress in excavation, superstructure, and infrastructure works. Prefabricated elements were used for structural efficiency, reducing on-site labor and time. Weekly coordination meetings, digital progress tracking, and early procurement of long-lead materials helped maintain momentum while ensuring the design vision was executed accurately.
Ensuring sea views from every apartment required a careful study of the site's topography, sun path, and prevailing winds. We positioned the towers in a staggered layout to avoid visual obstruction while maximizing daylight and natural ventilation. The building massing was shaped to open toward the coastline, and angled balconies were introduced to widen viewing angles. This strategy not only enhanced visual connection to the sea but also contributed to a sense of openness, light, and comfort in each residential unit.
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