Fatoş Üstek

I was drawn to the southern part of Chile, just above Patagonia, envisioning it as a summer retreat. I've been fortunate enough to visit Chile three times, and each time I feel this incredible energy alignment, a sense of belonging that's hard to describe.

It was a surprising feeling the first time I experienced it, but it's only grown stronger with each visit. I feel connected to the land, the people, the whole atmosphere. It's a place that resonates with me on a deep level

I took this incredible trip down south with two of my closest friends, and it left such a lasting impression. The whole experience really solidified my love for that area. Being near the water is so important to me, whether it's the ocean or a lake, but I'm also drawn to the peacefulness of forests. There's just something about being surrounded by trees that I find grounding. So, this spot in Chile was the perfect combination – dramatic ocean views in front and this rugged, mystical forest behind. It's unlike anywhere else I've been, and I knew it was the ideal place to build.

I always love hosting so this will definitely be a place for me to think but also, I would love to invite people. I envision it as a space for collective inspiration and creative work. It could be a group of friends collaborating on a project or just a relaxed gathering to bounce around ideas. I want it to be a refuge from the daily grind, a place to recharge and tap into that creative energy. We could brainstorm, share what we're reading, or just enjoy a leisurely day together. There's no pressure, no agenda – it's just about connecting and letting the ideas flow organically. A place of retreat - almost a hiatus from the everyday drain of the world; a creative place, a place to reflect, build ideas and maybe build new plans.

Absolutely! The concept of books and reading spaces was central from the very beginning. We had fascinating discussions about how people interact with libraries and bookshelves – it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. For me, each library, each shelf even, has a unique purpose.

For example, in my current workspace, I have two distinct bookcases. One is for reference materials, journals I need frequently, books I've been involved with, and artist catalogs. It's very practical and functional. The other is my 'live' bookcase, filled with books I'm currently reading or am drawn to at that moment. It's constantly evolving as I discover new works or revisit old favorites, especially as I travel and come across interesting publications. I need those books within arm's reach, where I can easily browse and be inspired.The fact that I travel a lot enables me to source different books and publications from all over. I need them to be in a place where I can immediately reach out so that my eye can be cast on them and then I can be intrigued by them and then pull it out of the shelf and engage with them.

So, for this house, it was important to have a dedicated library but also smaller, intimate spaces where I could always reconnect with my collection. I really would need a library as well as spaces where i would always have the possibility to re-engage with the books that I have collected over the years. I typically juggle several books at once – fiction, non-fiction, research – so this would be a place to truly indulge in that. I'm also deeply inspired by Chilean writers and would love to highlight their works on the shelves. It's all about creating an environment where literature is not just stored, but experienced and celebrated

Light is a fundamental element in any living space. It's not just about brightness, but the way light interacts with surfaces and fills a room. I love spaces that receive light from various angles – horizontally, vertically, even diagonally. That's why those glass brick walls were so intriguing to me. They allow light to filter through in a unique way, creating different levels of luminosity throughout the house. It's not overwhelming, but rather a subtle play of light that enhances the atmosphere of each space.

I believe the quality of light can actually influence what you do in a room. For example, we naturally prefer softer, dimmer lighting in bedrooms to promote relaxation and sleep. In Chile, the light has this distinct quality – it's strong and pervasive, but not harsh. It bathes the house in a warm glow, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere without feeling overly exposed.

When it came to choosing artwork for this house, each piece holds a special significance. The first was a Cornelia Parker edition, actually the very first artwork my partner and I bought together when we moved in. It has a deep sentimental value, and I love the visual representation of two separate entities, almost x-rayed. It almost has a level of transparency. I mean, for us it's like having a transparent and frank relationship or honest relationship and we have each other's back in a way. So for me it has a symbolic and a sentimental meaning.

For the other pieces, I chose works that resonated with the feeling I wanted to create in this space. There's an Ian Whittlesea print from Art Night that has a deeply meditative quality, reflecting the idea of being both present and absent simultaneously, which is something I explore in the architecture itself.

I also included a beautiful sculpture by Amy Stephens, a bronze cast of a tree trunk. I love her approach to nature, how she abstracts natural forms. It aligns with my desire to incorporate natural materials as much as possible throughout the house.

I brought with me a work from Charles Avery, it's a poster that we had on the streets of East London. It depicts a garden as a symbolic place. It's like two people, caressing each other in a kiss. It reflects a romantic side of me, I suppose.

Finally, I chose, a big painting by Gabriela Tethalova. It is a new piece actually that we share. I'm doing a small, kind of initiative with my partner's family. I didn't grow up with art or surrounded by art, and he has a huge family with like 10 cousins and seven nieces and nephews - they're still growing. So we had the idea of buying works to share so that art can play a role in their upbringing. It's a way of sharing the joy and inspiration that art brings.

Spices, definitely! I love cooking a wide range of global cuisines, so my spice collection is essential. I'd have everything from turmeric and Indian spices to the more exotic ones I discover during my travels. It's like a portable flavor kit that I always have on hand.

Beyond that,I wouldn't bring any furniture. I love watching films, so we would definitely have a projector, but you know, you don't have to carry them in anymore these days, you can stream them.