Last weekend, I attended a new project launch in Kyrenia. The event aimed to revive the essence of Mediterranean living, specifically the traditional Cypriot lifestyle from a time before globalization and urbanization took over. The event was an intriguing and eccentric experience that combined art, space, sustainability, and eco-friendly living.

Welcoming and Stage Introduction

The event commenced with a stage performance that explored the art of space. As the project details were unveiled, the audience was immersed in the concept of space through artistic expression. The developer passionately shared their inspiration, a natural-soil-inspired concept, which emphasized high ceilings, open spaces, and the use of earth materials in construction. Historically our homes have always been one with mother nature. Our traditional construction materials are ‘kerpic,’ mudbrick walls, coated with lime for insulation and ‘mertek,’ wooden structural frames. These ingenious techniques kept our ancestors’ homes naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, while arches were used extensively in their architectural design. Our cultural furniture, such as the hand-braided straw chair with a wood frame called ‘iskemle,’ the straw braided tray known as ‘sele,’ and the sleeping sofa with storage space called ‘divan’ for the cherished mid-summer afternoon siestas reflected our unique way of life. Additionally, our local architecture has always valued garden and terrace spaces due to our favourable climate. These outdoor areas have been the backdrop for cherished moments of togetherness, where families gather on long summer nights, savouring drinks and snacks. One popular snack combination during this season is our local halloumi cheese paired with watermelon.

Walkthrough Art Exhibit

Following the stage introduction, we were invited to the art gallery to explore an art exhibit that showcased the essence of the project. Inside the gallery, we were greeted by very high ceilings, lime-covered walls, and real-life demonstrations of the project’s amenities. The emphasis was on serviced grow gardens, where residents would receive monthly deliveries of fresh produce, promoting the consumption of seasonal and organic food. The art exhibition, presented in chronological order, beautifully depicted the art of Mediterranean living. It illustrated how our connection to the sea and the land shapes our way of life, focusing on coastal living, abundant seafood as a sustainable protein source, and the embrace of minimalism. Through images and descriptions, the exhibition revealed the vitality and simplicity of life lived under open skies, capturing the essence of being alive. As we wandered through the exhibition, we were invited to connect with the muted tapestry of colors, textures, and aesthetics that define the Mediterranean lifestyle. Whitewashed walls, colorful doors and shutters, and the intoxicating scent of courtyard gardens evoked a sense of warmth and mystery. The exhibition served as a celebration of this ancient art form, offering inspiration, solace, and a touch of magic in the simplicity and elegance of the Mediterranean way of life.

Chronological Journey through the Art Exhibit: Unveiling the Story of Mediterranean Living

Below, you will discover the exhibition texts presented in chronological order, serving as insightful labels to accompany the live demonstrations of the project.

1. The Art of Mediterranean Living

In the sunlit realms where the sea embraces the land, there lies an ancient and enduring art: the art of Mediterranean living. To dwell within this world is to dance with the Earth’s bounty, savouring its exquisite offerings in a symphony of simplicity and grace.

Welcome to our exhibition, where we celebrate and explore the essence of Mediterranean Living.

Mediterranean Fare

The very soul of Mediterranean living breaths through its cuisine – a vibrant mosaic of flavours fresh from the harvests of land and sea. Embrace a coastal connection, and discover the abundance of seafood as a sustainable source of protein and a highly effective alternative to the familiar red meat of most diets.

To partake in this way of life is to embrace minimalism, keeping cupboards sparse but fridges filled with life. Seaside villages and farmers’ markets provide seasonal fruits and vegetables grown with tender care.

Doing so reduces our impact on this Earth and nourishes our bodies with the purest ingredients.

Mediterranean Al Fresco

Journeying through Mediterranean lands means immersing yourself in a world where the boundaries between indoors and out blur into insignificance. Here, life is lived under open skies, bathed in golden sunlight, and cooled by gentle breezes.

The air is charged with vitality – a symphony of laughter, chatter, and birdsongs beneath open skies. Simply sitting in the open air becomes a daily ritual. It is breathtaking how this way of life marries simplicity with exuberance. It is a delicate equilibrium that captures the essence of being alive.

The al fresco existence is the heartbeat of the Mediterranean Way, and it is our pleasure to share it with you. If only we could bottle up that feeling and share it around like fine wine!

Mediterranean Aesthetics

Throughout this exhibition, we invite you to connect with the region’s rich tapestry of colours, textures and aesthetics. From sun-drenched terraces to rustic retreats, the allure of this lifestyle has captivated the hearts of people worldwide.

Though it’s hard to pin down the essence of this charm, one can’t help but be drawn to the warmth that emanates from every corner. Whitewashed walls stand like blank canvases, inviting creativity. Colourful doors and shutters whisper tales of mystery. And the intoxicating scent of courtyard gardens fills the air.

So let us raise our glasses to celebrate this ancient art form- a way of living that speaks to our senses and soul. As you wander through this exhibition, may you find inspiration, solace, and perhaps even a touch of magic in the simplicity and elegance of the Mediterranean way of life.

2. Production-Based Development

The term ‘sustainability’ has become a phenomenon that everyone should think about in these days when we have started to feel the effects of global climate change directly. The main concept of the project is to construct a settlement that produces rather than consumes, and defies time rather than wears out. The most important characteristic of villages is that they are the smallest self-sufficient settlements. The project aims to meet the organic fresh fruit and vegetable needs of the residents in the settlement with agricultural production on the main production axis and orchards in the courtyards. Solar panels on the terraces, agricultural production, waste separation implementations, encouragement of composting in residences, grey water systems and the right approach of the village phenomenon aimed at a sustainable life have been created in the centre of the city for urbanites. A new life of opportunity is offered to those who want to be included in this life without leaving the opportunities of the city and modern buildings.

3. Community and Belonging

Perhaps the most important word in a residential settlement is the word ‘belonging’. In this sense, architecture has a very important role in spatial relationships and interaction. At this point, in order to construct belonging, it is necessary to first construct spatial belonging through interaction with the space and then to prepare the ground for healthy interaction with this community without forgetting that the housing texture created forms a community. The project does this with edible landscape components. The agricultural production area on the main production axis provides organic and fresh vegetables for the entire settlement and allows households to participate in this production physically or with their organic compost if they wish. This production creates a focus on the organic market in the centre of the axis, allowing all households to create belonging through a common production. In addition to this production, the courtyard schemes of the housing blocks and the orchards in the middle of these courtyards aim to strengthen the feeling of neighbourliness by making a similar association on a smaller scale.

4. Mediterranean Facades

Local compositions, which are effective in urban construct, also play an important role in the architecture of buildings. Eaves, sun shades, light colour tones, stone textures, which are widely used in local architecture in accordance with the climate, constitute the architectural identity of the project. All openings are shaded with eaves to protect the interiors from steep sunlight. Movable louvres designed to provide privacy and horizontal solar control are adjusted according to the user’s request and create a dynamic facade in all buildings. In this way, the second wall which lets air through but controls the sun and visibility, maximises the comfort of the interior and turns home life into a personalised experience. Cultured stone was also used on the facades defined by the eaves, creating a warm and settled atmosphere while achieving a second insulation value thanks to this stone texture. In contrast to the stone texture and emphasising the simplicity of the whole concept, all remaining facades are finished with mineral surface coat and white paint. Thanks to the mineral surface coat used on the facade, more textured surfaces were obtained and a long-lasting and simple language has been created. The colour choice was Mediterranean white due to its maximum reflection of the sun.

5. Stairs

After the courtyards, the most important structural organisation of the project is the open circulation and staircase construct. All circulation is provided by open corridors and stairs organised around the courtyards, and the paths leading to the residences provide visual and physical contact with the courtyards at every point. In this way, while the sense of belonging in the blocks is strengthened. the roads leading to the residences turn into a separate architectural experience. The stairs from the ground floor to the first floor serve the upper-floor users in common, but each upper-floor residence has a staircase leading to its own private roof terrace. Each of these Staircases starts from the entrance door of the apartment and ends with the living area on the roof. Guests to be hosted on these terraces with continuous views can go to the roof without being taken inside the residence. The Mediterranean life is reinterpreted in the project with open circulations personalised by the homeowners, common courtyards experienced from these circulations. and open terraces extending to the horizon at the end.

6. Roof Terraces and Great Outdoors

The roof terraces are not only the perfect places to enjoy the Mediterranean climate but also a traditional architectural element; and are an important architectural typology for this project. All the project’s rooftops turn into a second landscape area with designed open living spaces. The residences on the ground floor find new life thanks to terraces, while each upper-floor residence is staggered to offer a clear view. Each of the blocks is surrounded by courtyards, and each courtyard is staggered in line with the ground slope, and the elevation differences, almost half a story high, give each terrace an uninterrupted view. All 2- and 3-bedroom apartments on the top floor can use their roofs as a second living space, allowing for a second life under the sky. All residences are integrated with either the ground-floor garden or the rooftop terraces.

7. Swimming Pools for All

Adult and children swimming pools and a lap pool let you wind down or energize.

8. Action!

The project has a playground area – alongside the production axe – perfect for children.

9. CAGRGE – A New Era in the Energy

Our sister company’s Electric Vehicle Charging Stations will be available in the project for our customers with electric cars.

Bonus: 3D Video Installation

Following the enthralling tour of the exhibit, we were guided to a separate room where an extraordinary 3D video installation awaited us. In groups of 20, we stepped into a realm of immersive visuals and captivating performances. This unique experience transported us to a mesmerizing world, where music, videos, and dynamic spatial compositions converged, offering diverse perspectives on the essence of defined spaces.

Cocktails, Music and Social Time

The night concluded with a delightful blend of live music, accompanied by the joyful presence of familiar industry faces. It was a perfect opportunity to unwind, enjoy delicious cocktails, and engage in social conversations, creating lasting memories of a truly remarkable event.

Written by Soylem Coli

Local – Realtor- Head of Regional Sales Operations at Avertiss exclusive partners

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: +905338641652

Blog: https://mediterranean.condos/blog/ 

Website: https://mediterranean.condos/

19th of May 2023

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