MAANAA – Water Engineers

The Maanaa 30 project is a comprehensive urban redevelopment initiative involving the redesign and reconstruction of a residential building on its original site. Built in the 1960s, the previous structure lacked modern residential amenities and did not meet contemporary earthquake safety standards.

The architectural brief required a total reconfiguration of the block within the exact footprint defined by local zoning regulations. A primary objective was to ensure that all existing homeowners were allocated new apartments that mirrored their previous residences in terms of size and location within the block. Working within these constraints, the new design successfully optimized the apartment configurations. Furthermore, it introduced additional residential space—specifically garden-level and rooftop duplexes—to be sold by the developer to finance the project. Given the building’s location in one of Istanbul’s premium residential districts, this renewal has significantly enhanced the property value for the original owners.

The main block was designed strictly within the boundaries of the previous structure’s contour. The primary architectural challenge was navigating the site’s steep topography to create accessible entrances while providing expansive green outdoor spaces for the garden-level units. To address this, the building was designed with a dual-tiered structure that adapts seamlessly to the slope. The land was extensively evaluated, and appropriate elevations were established in connection with the landscaping. An indoor parking garage and a dedicated entrance—amenities that were absent in the original building—were integrated into the site plan. Comprehensive landscaping was carried out, making the front gardens and lower-level green zones suitable for recreation and outdoor activities.

The rooftop duplexes utilize the roof pitch to create high-volume, efficient interior spaces paired with attractive open terraces. The new facade presents a contemporary design with a soft color palette. Wooden panels add a warm element to the facade, which, combined with wrought-iron balustrades, reinforces the residential feel.

The apartments offer a suite of modern comforts, including modern kitchens, elevators, efficient thermal insulation, and high-quality interior finishes. Bathrooms are fully tiled with porcelain and equipped with high-end sanitary fixtures. Windows are double-glazed for superior sound and heat insulation, and their large design allows an abundance of natural light to enter the building.