Urban Regeneration with Soul 

Lokal Etiler 7 is a rare proposition: a quietly confident residential project, nestled within one of Istanbul’s most green and walkable neighborhoods. Sited directly across Ergin Sokak Parkı and within walking distance of Nispetiye Street and Etiler Metro, the development reinterprets the idea of urban renewal, not through spectacle, but through precision and peace. 

The project spans three parcels, soon to be unified into a single block. With just 19 units across garden level + 4 floors, it offers an alternative to Istanbul’s vertical density — a place where architecture breathes with the rhythm of daily life. 

Designing for Risk and Resilience 

The architectural strategy is deeply informed by Istanbul’s seismic reality. With base isolation systems, advanced structural planning, and a compact, low-rise massing, the building becomes a prototype for earthquake-ready urban housing. 

“In the city of uncertainty, architecture must become a guarantee — not of permanence, but of preparedness.” 

 — Avci Architects 

Carefully calculated floor plate layouts allow for maximum natural light and cross ventilation. Vehicular circulation is minimized through a single ramp, leading to a two-level garage with direct unit access. 

A Facade of Layers and Light 

The façade is defined by a composition of warm brick, aluminum cladding, and smooth plaster — materials chosen for their durability, thermal behavior, and timeless tone. 

• Horizontal sunshading systems ensure privacy and light control 

• Garden floor is visually and spatially distinguished, floating beneath the upper mass 

• Two façade schemes explored (both refined): vertical emphasis vs. horizontal banding 

• Evening lighting strategy reveals the building’s layered materiality 

The building’s relationship to Ergin Street is respectful and non-intrusive, preserving pedestrian permeability and visual calm. 

Interior Architecture: Refined, Not Decorated 

The interior concept emphasizes elegant simplicity and high-end tactility. Materials and layouts are structured around clarity and continuity: 

• Natural wood flooring and soft matte finishes 

• Kitchens offered in multiple layout options (island / L-shaped / closed) 

• Bathrooms designed with Vitra sanitary ware, terrazzo-look tiles, and integrated lighting 

• Lobby and circulation spaces defined by marble floors, neutral palettes, and concealed lighting systems 
• Custom joinery, local craftsmanship, and minimalist furniture scenarios 

Shared Amenities with a Neighborhood Feel 

Despite its small scale, the project includes: 

• A landscaped garden and pergola seating 

• Outdoor swimming pool, exposed to sun yet visually private 

• Gym and wellness space, accessed directly from units 

• Underground storage units (4–14 m²) for each apartment 

• 24/7 security with discrete access points 

The intention is to provide a full lifestyle offer within a compact footprint — intimacy without compromise. 

Sustainability as Silent Infrastructure

Guided by the One Planet Living principles, the project incorporates: 

• Shading systems tailored to Istanbul’s solar angle 

• Natural ventilation, reducing HVAC dependency 

• Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse 

• Local and recyclable material palette 

• Layouts that minimize energy loss and maximize comfort 

• Low-maintenance planting designed for seasonal resilience 

Sustainability here is not decorative — it is embedded into every decision, from orientation to operations.