Reflections of nature in Bodrum

“For Ladybug House, our design philosophy focused on creating a profound sense of harmony with nature, reimagining the home with peaceful, elegant and restorative living spaces. We drew inspiration from the Japandi and Wabi-Sabi design principles, blending the minimalist, functional aesthetic of Japandi with the appreciation of beauty in imperfection typical of Wabi-Sabi. This approach allowed us to design a home that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings and enhances the physical and mental comfort of its occupants,” explains Yeşim Kozanlı, founder of the eponymous Istanbul-based architecture firm, describing her vision for this house located on the Aegean coast in Bodrum.

From the outset, the design aimed to erase the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an uninterrupted dialogue with nature. This philosophy is reflected in the thoughtful selection of materials – including marble, ceramic and wood – capable of maintaining aesthetic continuity with the exterior spaces. Together with earth tone finishes and a wark, grey colour palette, these materials help create a welcoming and balanced atmosphere.

Discussing her choice of materials, particularly porcelain stoneware, Kozanlı commented: “Surrounded by natural materials, the elegance and durability of ceramic tiles enhanced the atmosphere in both the indoor and outdoor spaces. Ceramic tiles served as an elegant stylistic element while bringing a touch of modernism and reflecting natural light. Using them for wet areas, floors and façades helped to maintain the integrity of the design while fitting in perfectly with our design vision.”

Central to this vision is the Lims collection from Atlas Concorde, a porcelain stoneware series inspired by the textures and colours of limestone. “We chose Atlas Concorde primarily for its extensive product range and its ability to combine the elegance of Italian design with exceptional quality. The collections fit in perfectly with the overall design concept, delivering a minimalist yet natural aesthetic, while their durability and ease of maintenance make them ideal for use all year round.”

The project also reflects a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. While integrating closely with the landscape, it also incorporates practical design choices such as solar-powered garden lighting, a rainwater harvesting system and a smart home system for monitoring and optimising energy consumption.