October 2, 2026 | Vol 11
An architect's house communing with nature
words & photos Onur Baştürk
Architect Iraz Kutlar's house is right next to the Simurg Inn Hotel in Ahmetçe Village. But the house is so well hidden that it is not even visible from the hotel. Kutlar achieved this with a very successful installation and landscaping. In addition, since he went beyond classical standards and designed the entire structure by dividing it into different units, there is a conscious hotel atmosphere throughout the house. The result is a modern house that is different from its counterparts in the region.
How did you first come to the Northern Aegean? How did you decide to settle here?
My real acquaintance with the Northern Aegean was thanks to an architectural project I did in Koruoba Village. While doing the project, I was constantly staying at Simurg Inn. The magical atmosphere of the hotel, the clean mountain air in the village and its proximity to the sea attracted me very much. Finally, in 2020, I bought a land from Ahmetçe Village and built my house.
What were your priorities when designing your home?
My first goal in design was to build a house communing with nature. I paid great attention to these subjects in the materials I chose and the landscape design. I also wanted to provide a hotel's comfort to my friends who came to visit That's why I wanted to separate the rooms from the main living room. I designed the living room area entirely focused on socialization.
The interior design of the house is quite simple and northern. Is your general understanding of design in this direction?
Simplicity and functionality have always been my priority in my design approach!
What do you like most about the Northern Aegean?
The virginhood of the region impresses me a lot. The moment I step foot here from Istanbul, I feel like I am in a completely different world: with sunrise and sunset, clouds, moonlight, sea, fresh air...
How does your one day at home go?
I start the day with a walk in the forest in the morning. On summer days when the weather is nice, I always go swimming after a walk. I designed one room of the house as an office. After breakfast, I go to the office and start my designs.
What are your favorite places in the region?
Simurg Inn's winter garden is my favorite place. They make delicious cocktails. Demirciköy's village coffee place is great! Pizza Mera is a really soulful place, its pizzas are amazing. I also like the hiking routes around Ahmetçe Village, and Küçükkuyu and Ayvacık markets.
Northern Aegean is becoming increasingly popular. How do you think the development of the region should be?
Olive groves should never be opened to development! In addition, all buildings to be built must be compatible with the flora and existing village-type buildings.
