Momo began moving toward environmentally conscious practices to create spaces and experiences that are responsible and rooted in local values and geography. Beach of Momo is situated on a 7,000 m² coastal hill in Dalyan, Çeşme. Surrounded by mature pine trees, the land retains traces of its agricultural past with mastic and olive trees.
The transition at the site began with the landscape, a low-water, climate appropriate system rooted in local flora. Turf and high water demanding species were removed, replaced with a planting scheme composed entirely of local, drought-tolerant species adapted to the Aegean coastal climate.
The design intervention is functional and aesthetic, with ecological objectives, producing a site that both reflects and sustains its environment while introducing subtle, productive layers into a leisure-focused setting. The result is a landscape that stays true to the site's natural character while quietly expanding its productivity and biodiversity.
In regions such as Çeşme, where water scarcity is an increasing concern, drought-tolerant planting is essential. Once established, these gardens become largely self-sufficient; they require no chemical treatments and need only occasional pruning. The landscape provides food, shelter, and breeding sites for the insects, birds, and other fauna that give the place its character.
The mature pine trees along the pathway presented a particularly challenging area for planting. Their roots draw water from the soil, fallen needles can burn sensitive plants, and the dense canopy limits the sunlight needed by sun-loving Mediterranean species. These already difficult conditions were compounded by constant foot traffic along the path, damaging low-growing plants. For these reasons, over the years few shrubs have been added to increase resilience.
