Renovating an older villa in Göktürk and Kemer Country, Istanbul: what to watch for

The villa tradition that began with Kemer Country in Göktürk and Kemerburgaz in the 1990s continues to grow today with new projects (Ekonomist, 2025). This also means that many first-generation villas are now due for renovation. The right way to renovate an older villa is to examine the invisible first (structure, services, insulation, windows), then rebuild the plan for life today, and move to interiors and decoration last.

1. Document the existing condition

If you have approved drawings, compare them with the existing building; if not, start with a measured survey. Changes made over the years, enclosed balconies or added sections directly affect the scope of the renovation and the permit process.

2. Structure and earthquake safety

The Turkish Building Earthquake Code was renewed in 2018 and has been in force since 2019 (Official Gazette). Before a comprehensive renovation of an older building, it is advisable for a civil engineer to assess the structure and, if necessary, set out strengthening options. We cover this in detail in our article on structure.

3. Services and infrastructure

Water, drainage and electrical systems approaching thirty years old were not designed for today's loads (built-in kitchens, air conditioning, heat pumps, electric car charging). Renewing services while the walls are open always makes more sense than breaking finishes a few years later.

4. Energy: insulation, windows and heating

In older villas the biggest gain is often in what you cannot see: roof and facade insulation, insulated double or triple glazing, and an efficient heating and cooling system. We explain the details in our energy-efficient home article.

5. Adapt the plan to life today

Closed kitchens, separate dining rooms and small bathrooms are common in villas from the nineties. Today, kitchens opening onto living areas, a main suite, a home office and a direct relationship with the garden come first. Each of these changes must be assessed together with the structure. Our articles on open kitchens and home offices can help with these decisions.

6. Bring the view and the forest inside

The area's greatest asset is its forest and lake views. Window sizes and positions, seating and material colours can be rethought to frame this view. In our CB House project at Privé Kemer in Göktürk, we used mirrors as an architectural tool to carry light and the forest view inside.

7. Check site rules and permits

In villas within gated communities such as Kemer Country, the management plan may have rules and approval processes for facade colour, windows, awnings, roofs and gardens. Work that touches the structure or changes the facade may need municipal permission. Settling these at the start of the design prevents work from stopping during the build. We cover permits in our building permit article.

“With a good renovation, an older villa can carry both its memories and a new life.”

Conclusion

As a studio based in Göktürk, we know the homes in Kemer Country, Kemerburgaz, Göktürk and Eyüpsultan, and the area's dynamics, closely. If you are thinking of renovating your older villa, let's examine the existing condition together and define the scope. See our build and renovation service or fill in our quote form.

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