On the Black Sea coast, a "floating sanctuary" traverses a valley without ever breaking through it. A suspended architectural structure, designed by Snøhetta, that redefines the relationship between habitat, territory, and movement.
On the outskirts of Istanbul, where the city gives way to the dense forest and rugged terrain of Beykoz, the Ion Riva project unfolds a new way of inhabiting the landscape. It is within this wild setting that The Ring, an iconic circular structure conceived by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, takes shape. Perched above a gorge as if in perfect balance, this structure seems to defy gravity in order to better serve its surroundings.
The image is immediate: a ring suspended above the ground, an almost surreal apparition that seems to float in the landscape. But beyond its striking visual impact, this form acts as a major spatial and ecological device. By rising in this way, the structure leaves the ground untouched, allowing local wildlife and waterways to flow freely beneath the building, thus preserving the continuity of the ecosystems. The architecture doesn't simply connect two banks: it transforms the way we experience the site. As we move along this seemingly endless curve, our gaze glides from one point to another, between the deep canopy and the Black Sea horizon, without ever encountering a sharp break.
Conceived as a floating sanctuary, this project offers a continuous living experience on an 84-hectare estate. The circle dictates a movement without beginning or end, where architecture recedes into the background, giving way to a sensory journey. It is no longer about occupying a static object, but about traversing a constantly changing landscape. Around this central structure, Ion Riva unfolds in fragments. The dwellings, nearly a thousand in total, including approximately 400 designed by Snøhetta and distributed among three firms, are integrated into the topography without a rigid plan, adapting to the natural slopes and the terrain's lines of force. This organic organization avoids any uniformity and maintains a human scale, in direct connection with the elements.
The site itself becomes the true architect. The buildings follow the natural contours of the land rather than forcing them, revealing an approach where architecture complements life instead of transforming it. This nuanced understanding of the landscape lends the project a subtle coherence. Light plays a crucial role in this perception: the volumes are designed to capture the atmospheric variations of the Turkish coast and reflect their subtle nuances within the spaces. Nothing is static; the dwellings exist within a temporality dictated by the passage of the sun and the seasons.
The materials chosen by Snøhetta extend this quest for sustainability. The use of local stone and regionally sourced wood creates a restrained palette that resonates directly with the textures of the landscape. These low-carbon materials are also supported by rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems, aiming to reduce drinking water consumption by 50%, while grid-connected solar panels complete the energy system.
Beyond its form, the project engages in a profound reflection on the diversity of uses. The Ring houses spaces dedicated to well-being and collective activities in its longevity center, while the rest of the estate incorporates permaculture areas, regenerative gardens, and an equestrian academy. Here, living spaces are conceived as a holistic ecosystem, where leisure, healthcare, and agriculture functions are interconnected to create a sustainable and respectful way of life. Pedestrian circulation structures the entire site, linking its various parts through biodiverse green corridors and walking paths punctuated by panoramic views.
This project reflects a major shift in contemporary housing design. The focus is no longer solely on the built form, but on the quality of the relationships it fosters: with the land, with others, and with time. The first completed projects, expected from 2027 onwards, will allow us to assess the capacity of this vision to sustainably restore this coastal landscape.
Useful information:
Ion Riva – Greenhouse and The Ring
Expected delivery: June 2027
