LIVING ROOTS
Living Roots is an experiential landscape and production center designed within the unique natural and cultural setting of Soğanlı Valley. Known for its rock-carved churches, walking routes, and dramatic topography, the valley attracts visitors seeking both exploration and connection with nature. The project aims to enrich this experience by creating a place where production, learning, and daily life intersect.
The design is shaped by the valley’s climate and terrain. Natural stone, earth-toned materials, terraces, and semi-open structures establish a strong relationship with the surrounding landscape while respecting the architectural character of the region. One of the project’s primary objectives is the creation of shaded environments that support outdoor use throughout the day. Pergolas, courtyards, covered terraces, and resting areas provide comfort for visitors while encouraging them to spend more time engaging with the site and its surroundings.
At the heart of Living Roots is the cultivation of local, climate-appropriate plants. Rather than presenting these products only as finished goods, the project invites visitors to witness and participate in their entire journey. Guests can observe planting, cultivation, harvesting, drying, and preparation processes, gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between nature and consumption. The menu is directly connected to the landscape, featuring products grown on site such as herbal teas, aromatic plants, and seasonal ingredients.
A typical day at Living Roots begins with a walk through the historic paths of Soğanlı Valley. Visitors move between shaded terraces and gardens, observing cultivation activities and resting beneath semi-open structures that frame views of the valley and its churches. As the day progresses, they experience the transformation of plants from field to product, finally enjoying a tea prepared from herbs grown and dried on site. Through this journey, Living Roots creates a memorable experience rooted in nature, production, culture, and place—growing, experiencing, and remembering.
