Turkish architects Project Design Group have designed the Yalova+Wellness+Spa+Resort'>KentPlus Yalova Wellness Spa Resort in Armutlu, Yalova in Turkey, which is due to open at the end of this year.

The project includes three five-star thermal hotels with more than 1,300 bedrooms and more than 1,000 apartments for timeshare and full-time living.

A Physiotherapy Medical Centre will provide thermal water healing, together with detox, physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

The complex will also include open-air swimming pools, a spa centre, Turkish baths, sports centre, beauty centre and recreation rooms.

Situated on around 330,000sq m of hilly land with a view to the sea, the resort has been created with a focus on nature and numerous green spaces throughout.

“The unique natural character of the site forms the basis of the project concept, whose main aim is that the buildings should be designed to become partially lost in this natural atmosphere, and by harmonising with the topography, to spread and melt into the landscape,” the architects said in a statement.

Residential units have been created on the steeper upper slopes of the land, facing the sea, and feature a mix of architectural styles centred around a small plaza. A section of houses called a ‘hayat’ is modelled on ancient Turkish houses and interpreted for a modern lifestyle. It includes a common area for two different flats, and is designed to increase the interaction between neighbours.

Thermal water resources are also designed to bring residents and guests together, and have been embedded in different elevations and hidden in the land as much as possible. Historic Turkish baths were used to model daylight usage and designing the social setup of the baths.

A natural stream flows through the property and out to the sea, and has been designed as the site’s main recreation line. “Using diverse landscaping elements and pavilions, by widening the stream and incorporating it into the design, it has become a prominent feature and the spine of the project,” the architects explained.

Throughout this ‘spine’, social areas appealing to both adults and children of different ages have been designed, including a biological pond, an amphitheatre, playgrounds, restaurants and gardens.

In addition to the residential buildings, social facilities and hotels, the project also includes a health centre, mosque, school and restaurants.