Designed by Mental Design Works (MDW) in Kağıthane, Istanbul, and drawing attention with its award in the “Multiple Residence Architecture” category at the Europe Property Awards 2025, Greenox Urban Residence presents a holistic living model that approaches urban transformation not merely as building renewal, but as an environmental, social, and spatial shift. As a residential structure aiming to directly respond to the need for greenery and oxygen for those living in the city centre, Greenox turns the monoblock mass mandated by current zoning conditions into an element that adds value to its surroundings and the city.
Mental Design Works (MDW), led by architect Salih Çıkman, produces strong-identity structures that express local values through a universal architectural language. Awarded in the “Multiple Residence Architecture” category at the Europe Property Awards 2025, Greenox Urban Residence was designed starting from the idea of transforming a building into a living organism within an increasingly concrete urban fabric. Located in Kağıthane, Istanbul, and developed with an approach that respects nature and uses energy and water resources efficiently, Greenox transforms the monoblock mass required by existing zoning regulations into an element that contributes value to the environment and the city. The examination of surrounding development revealed that green areas are nearly non-existent, reinforcing the notion that transformation is not limited to demolishing and rebuilding, but that the structure replacing it should generate positive impacts at both environmental and urban scales.
Inspired by the branches of the tree of life, the façade structure designed by Mental Design Works forms the building’s main architectural character. Through this structure, the green texture is not confined to the ground plane, but is carried into the third dimension, becoming a living обол обол that wraps the building. The green ground on which the building sits is extended to upper levels to form a social rooftop area, and the park in front is also reorganised to create a public space that integrates with its surroundings.
With 209 trees and 20,180 plants, plus 3,121 shrubs and ground-cover plants on its façade, Greenox produces 5,657.5 m³ of oxygen per year. Compared to standard buildings, it enables approximately 7.4 tonnes less carbon emissions annually, and contributes both to the environment and the user economy through up to 40% water and energy savings. While plants absorb carbon dioxide and dust particles, they also provide thermal and humidity insulation on the façade. They allow daylight to reach interior spaces in winter, while preventing excessive heat gain in summer. Managing irrigation and fertilisation processes through automation makes the sustainability of this living system possible.
Shaped by Mental Design Works’ design approach centred on a sustainable living concept, and holding LEED Gold and EDGE Green Building certifications, which was awarded in Turkey for the first time by the World Bank’s IFC, Greenox Urban Residence brings together key elements supporting an ecological approach: storing rainwater for use in landscaping and façade systems, treating greywater for reuse, and meeting the energy needs of common areas through rooftop solar panels.
With a total of 11,500 m² of residential area and 1,100 m² of social facility area, Greenox consists of 170 apartments in 1+1 and 2+1 types ranging from 50 to 91 m², within a single 24-storey block. Parking and technical volumes are resolved underground across six levels, while service areas responding to user needs are located on the ground floor and residential units on the upper floors.
The balanced composition created between private, semi-private, formal, and semi-formal areas is enriched through courtyards that support socialisation, shared spaces defined by green and water elements, and flexible areas that can transform into different usage scenarios. While a more formal language is adopted at the entrance, the social courtyard and terrace areas offer a comfortable and dynamic atmosphere. Guest suites are supported by meeting and working rooms, a pool, fitness, sauna, seating and barbecue areas, and it promises a healthy, sustainable, and qualified urban living experience through sky gardens and viewing terraces that integrate with the city.
With its nature-integrated design language, original façade composition, and sustainability-based solutions, Greenox Urban Residence goes beyond today’s requirements and positions itself as a qualified residential structure that references the future of urban life. In this way, Mental Design Works’ holistic approach focused on environmental sensitivity, social living, and spatial quality transforms in Greenox into a living and continuously evolving architectural expression that adds value to the city.