Integrating with Nature
Situated amidst a vineyard and olive grove in Seferihisar, Turkey, the Rubrum Office by Office Istanbul Architects gracefully merges with the surrounding landscape. Completed in 2023, this 240 m² structure draws inspiration from the vineyard’s linear arrangement, strategically aligned to optimize yield and influenced by the prevailing winds.
Vineyard Symphony
The design concept is an ode to the dynamic flow of the vineyard, seeking to create a space that seamlessly integrates into its surroundings. Delicately nestled into the natural terrain, the structure becomes a hidden gem within the topography. Its aesthetic impact transforms with varying perspectives, sometimes merging with the grapevine axes and at other times emerging as a dominant vertical element with its strong, emphasized walls.
Earthy Elegance
At the heart of the design is the use of colored earth-based mineral plaster, symbolizing a connection to the nurturing process and growth from the land itself. This material choice reinforces the structure’s organic identity and anchors it in harmony with the vineyard’s essence.
Guided Pathways
The walls become a guiding force, directing visitors along a curated journey through the vineyard-inspired structure. Leading to an initial courtyard within the building, these walls serve as a spatial narrative, seamlessly connecting the user to the architectural elements. The courtyard, positioned at the structure’s center, acts as a sheltered space for reception, connection, and distribution.
Courtyard Harmony
Functioning as a semi-open living area, the courtyard provides both comfort and protection against climatic conditions while facilitating circulation between surrounding spaces. This void within the structure serves as a physical, architectural, and symbolic axis for the project. Reflecting the typology of traditional “Life” spaces found in old Aegean houses, the courtyard features earth or stone floors and a thoughtful distribution of rooms.
In essence, the Rubrum Office stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity, where the design not only respects the natural rhythm of the vineyard but also becomes an integral part of the landscape it inhabits. The seamless integration of structure and nature creates a symphony where the Rubrum Office conducts a harmonious dialogue with the vineyard’s timeless beauty.
