Snøhetta, in collaboration with Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and MVRDV, has unveiled The Ring, an iconic circular building within the new Ion Riva neighbourhood, developed by Ion, on Istanbul’s Black Sea coast. Located in Beykoz, this visionary project combines sustainable living, nature integration, and community-centric design to redefine modern residential experiences.
Quick facts
- Location: Beykoz, Istanbul (Black Sea Coast)
- Architects: Snøhetta, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), MVRDV
- Capacity: Approximately 1,000 residences across five micro-communities
- Key Features: Rainwater harvesting (50% reduction), on-site renewables, 100% walkable masterplan.
- Completion Date: First residents expected by June 2027
A floating architectural marvel
The Ring spans a river gorge, creating a striking “floating” effect that has drawn international attention. The circular structure houses residences, select retail spaces, and offices, all thoughtfully integrated into the valley landscape. It blends architecture with its natural surroundings, offering residents views of the forest and river below.
Tae-Young Yoon, Senior Architect and Project Leader, describes it as “a built fight of imagination—a first act of looking and seeing ourselves in the site, from which to eventually climb into, walk, touch, and simply pass time with nature.”
Sustainable living at the heart of Ion Riva
The neighbourhood prioritises low-impact, eco-conscious living. Homes are equipped with on-site renewable energy systems, including solar panels integrated with the grid. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling reduce potable water demand by up to 50%, while green infrastructure improves air quality and regulates microclimates.
Walkability underpins the masterplan, with short, shaded paths connecting homes, schools, recreation facilities, and cultural spaces. Biodiverse green corridors and parks link the community, providing a continuous journey through nature.
Residences designed for community and connection
Ion Riva will be home to about 1,000 residences, organised into five smaller communities of 50–80 homes each. Each cluster reflects the local architectural heritage and the unique qualities of its surrounding landscape. Shared amenities, from recreation facilities to wellness hubs, encourage social interaction and foster a sense of belonging among residents.
Digital systems are integrated throughout, enhancing comfort, efficiency and sustainability. This ensures that Ion Riva is not only visually appealing but also highly functional.
A collective vision by leading architects
The design of Ion Riva is the result of a collaborative effort between three internationally renowned practices:
- Snøhetta: Responsible for The Ring, focusing on blending architecture with the valley’s forest, river, and sea.
- Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG): Designed The Drop, a teardrop-shaped timber building along the coastline, featuring cafés, wellness areas, and public art.
- MVRDV: Created The Lantern, a cultural hub with a performing arts centre, cinema, community spaces, and an art gallery.
The neighbourhood also hosts The Light House, at the heart of the masterplan, with exhibition spaces, libraries, co-working studios, and sports facilities, completing a comprehensive social and cultural ecosystem.
Nature as the first architect
Kjetil Thorsen, Founding Partner at Snøhetta, emphasises that “at Ion Riva, we have worked with the landscape as the first architect. The meeting of forest, river, and sea creates a natural framework, and our task has been to strengthen those conditions rather than overwrite them.”
This approach ensures that architecture is not an isolated object but a set of evolving relationships between people, nature, and community. Stables, allotments, and ecological learning spaces further integrate residents with their environment.
Phased development and future living
The first phase of Ion Riva is already underway, with residents expected to move into completed homes by June 2027. As the project progresses, The Ring and its surrounding communities are likely set a new standard for sustainable living, combining social connectivity with environmental responsiveness on Istanbul’s Black Sea coast.
